Cultural Heritage and Resilience in Immigrant Communities: Exploring Interactive Technology Opportunities for Mutual Acculturation

This study explores how British-Chinese immigrants sustain cultural resilience through heritage practices and the role of interactive technologies in this process. Using a two-phase mixed-methods approach, it begins with a scoping study (n=150) to map patterns of heritage engagement, and then employed interviews with 11 immigrants and scenario-based workshops with 12 stakeholders to investigate technology-mediated dissemination. Findings show that intangible cultural heritage, particularly foodways, language and festivals, plays a central role in identity formation and intergenerational cohesion, with community networks mediating resilience. However, heritage practices and technologies remain largely internally-focused, while fragmented platforms and linguistic barriers limit intercultural exchange. To address these gaps, the paper proposes the Community-Centred Mutual Acculturation (CCMA) framework, emphasising community authorship, plural representation, and cross-cultural engagement through modular platforms, youth-led co-creation, and immersive multi-sensory interaction. This research contributes empirical insights and design-oriented recommendations for interactive systems that support inclusive, heritage-based engagement and mutual acculturation.