A Collaborative Social Design Framework for Designing Spiritual Technology: Empowering the Spiritual Experiences of the Indigenous Community Through Co-Creation

Within the domain of traditional healing practices, indigenous artisans and spiritual practitioners play essential roles in preserving cultural heritage, sharing profound wisdom, and contributing to local economies. These practices hold spiritual and cultural significance that transcends mere aesthetics, deeply rooted in tradition and belief. Recognizing the intricate interplay of these practices, my Ph.D. research, focused on Sarawak's Melanau community, aims to develop a collaborative social design framework that facilitates collaboration among practitioners and enthusiasts. Drawing upon Participatory Design (PD) principles, this framework reimagines technology's role in enhancing the spiritual experiences of indigenous communities. At its core lies the development of an Augmented Reality (AR) application, enabling users to scan artifacts and embark on immersive journeys unveiling the stories behind each healing craft—revealing their cultural significance, creation process, and underlying meanings. This innovative approach not only fosters collaboration and knowledge sharing but also serves as a dynamic tool for cultural preservation and education. Through active engagement with practitioners and enthusiasts throughout the project lifecycle, including iterative feedback and validation, we endeavor to create a platform that effectively conveys the depth of indigenous healing traditions. By bridging cultural divides and nurturing community involvement, our aim is to promote a harmonious and culturally sensitive approach to indigenous community development.