Participatory Co-Creation of Digital Nang Talung: Bridging the Generation Gap to Preserve Intangible Cultural Heritage in Southern Thailand

This research focused on the preservation and revitalization of Nang Talung, an intangible cultural heritage (ICH) rooted in the southern region of Thailand. A mixed-method approach, involving multiple stages of study, was employed to explore its feasibility through surveys and action research for data collection.

The objectives of the study were to examine the current state of traditional Nang Talung, to create a new model of Digital Nang Talung, and to evaluate its effectiveness in enhancing users' knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) related to Nang Talung.

Finally, the research investigated whether the generational gap between older and younger participants was reduced after engaging with the Digital Nang Talung application.

The development phase employed a digital arts process that incorporated participatory and co-creation methods, alongside surveys for data collection. Both quantitative and qualitative data were collected through self-administered questionnaires, focus group discussions, observations, and interviews.

The purposive sample included the following groups:

● Youth aged 18-25 currently enrolled in the International Media Program at Prince of Songkla University (PSU)

● Students from the College of Arts, Media, and Technology at Chiang Mai University (CMU)

● Expert puppeteers and the elderly group were included

Key findings emerged during participatory co-creation workshops, where younger participants, expert puppeteers, and researchers collaborated to design characters and other elements.

Scenes, storylines, and gameplay featuring both story mode and freestyle mode were developed, along with AR marker versions 1.0 and 2.0. These artefacts resembled traditional puppet-holder sticks and were novel designs created specifically for the project.

The Digital Nang Talung Alpha Version (https://digitalung.itch.io/nang-talung-book) was developed as a site-specific theatre platform, incorporating interactive multiplayer and two-way communication features. Its effectiveness in enhancing users' KAP was evaluated through testing.

Based on data, opinions, suggestions, and ideas from both traditional Nang Talung experts and younger participants, the final model, the Digital Nang Talung Beta Version (https://digitalung.itch.io/digi-nang-talung) was developed. This version features fully online gameplay in both story and freestyle modes and was released as an accessible online application.

The assessment across four research stages revealed a risk of decline for this ICH, emphasizing the urgent need for innovative strategies to preserve and revitalize this traditional folk medium. Usability, satisfaction, and learning engagement with the Digital Nang Talung application were also evaluated.

Participants reported positive experiences regarding usability and high satisfaction levels in engaging with the application.

The Digital Nang Talung Alpha Version significantly improved users' KAP, with pre- and post-test mean scores showing statistically significant differences. Using inferential statistics (t-test), the results were P < 0.01, with t-values for knowledge, attitudes, and practices at 10.356, 10.081, and 12.457, respectively.

The Beta Version was evaluated using two workshop models:

● Model A: Face-to-face collaboration between younger and older participants

● Model B: Fully online, self-guided engagement using participants' personal devices

Model A yielded promising results in bridging the KAP gap between generations. Inferential statistical analysis (t-test) showed a statistically significant difference (P < 0.01) in pre-test scores, with post-test mean scores converging, indicating a reduced gap.

However, Model B presented challenges for older participants, particularly in usability and engagement. Observations revealed increased stress and discomfort due to technology use.

These findings suggest that digital arts and tools, when applied through participatory and co-creation processes, offer a promising strategy for cultural preservation, especially when participants are involved in every step. However, to maintain the essence of traditional folk media, it is essential to improve digital literacy and learning environments.

Future research should account for generational differences to ensure accessibility across age groups and focus on how to effectively convey the puppeteers' skillset to modern audiences. The artefact could also be positioned as an interactive engagement tool.