Activation of the Grand Canal Cultural Heritage for Generation Z: A Design Research Based on IP Narrative and Gamified AR

Abstract

As a living World Cultural Heritage site still in active use, the Grand Canal serves as a vital carrier of the Chinese nation's historical lineage and collective memory. Its preservation and revitalization are crucial for sustaining cultural continuity. This research focuses on the digital revitalization and dissemination of the Grand Canal's cultural heritage. However, its current digital communication faces significant intergenerational challenges: mainstream approaches, characterized by static and one-directional delivery, struggle to establish deep emotional connections and cultural resonance with Generation Z, who are digital natives. To address this, grounded in gamification design theory, this study proposes an innovative framework of "IP-Narrative-Driven, Gamified-Task-Carried, AR-Spatial-Integration." This framework employs the original IP character "Spirit of the Canal" as the narrative core and emotional guide. A lightweight Augmented Reality (AR) application prototype was developed via the WeChat Mini Program platform. Implemented in the Gongchen Bridge area, it utilizes a "Discovery-Puzzle-Solving-Reconstruction" gamified task flow to create immersive narrative scenes that blend virtual and physical realities. The design aims to systematically enhance Generation Z's cognitive understanding, emotional engagement, and willingness for autonomous dissemination regarding Canal culture. Through framework construction and prototype implementation, this study provides an actionable design approach for the youth-oriented and intelligent dissemination of linear cultural heritage.

Keywords: Cultural Heritage Dissemination, Generation Z, Augmented Reality (AR), Gamification Design, IP Design, User Experience

DOI: 10.54941/ahfe1007623