Heritage Spark
Design Inspiring Toolkit for Zhejiang University
Heritage Spark is a design toolkit that integrates Intangible Cultural Heritage ICH into contemporary creativity. It includes ICH cards for quick understanding, role cards for diverse perspectives, and technology cards to inspire innovation. Two thought canvases support collaborative ideation. Designed for users with no prior ICH knowledge, it fosters empathy and generates solutions for ICH preservation. By bridging tradition and modern technology, this toolkit empowers designers, educators, and cultural practitioners to engage with heritage in transformative ways.
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Download Press Kit № 170646 Design Inspiring Toolkit for Zhejiang University by Hanshu Shen to access high-res images, essential texts, translations, and exclusive interviews—all in one.
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Heritage Spark by Hanshu Shen
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Design Inspiring Toolkit by Hanshu Shen
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Hanshu Shen Heritage Spark
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Hanshu Shen Design Inspiring Toolkit
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Zhejiang UniversityBrand Logo
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Unique Properties
Heritage Spark is one of the few auxiliary tools for Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) designing in China. It is highly accessible to students unfamiliar with ICH, enabling them to quickly grasp its various types. Using a collaborative role-playing analysis method, it streamlines the design and creative process. Beyond being a design aid, it also plays a key role in promoting ICH.
Tags
ICH Design, Inspiration Inspired, Design Assistance, Toolkit, ICH
Production Technology
The design was created using Photoshop and Illustrator, then digitally printed on 300g coated paper and die-cut for precision. The process included user research, workshop testing, and design thinking methodologies to refine content and usability, ensuring the toolkit aligns with user needs. The cards were produced in small batches, ensuring quality and adaptability.
Design Challenge
The challenge lies in designing a set of cards that can enable ICH (Intangible Cultural Heritage) novices to quickly understand its value and essence, while also effectively stimulating user empathy to identify pain points from the perspective of ICH bearers. The cards must balance knowledge dissemination with thought stimulation, ultimately encouraging users to contribute innovative ideas for the future of ICH.
Project Duration
The project started in Hangzhou, China, in January 2024.
Operation Flow
The toolkit includes ICH cards, introducing ten ICH to build a quick understanding. Character cards help users explore ICH from different roles and perspectives. Technology cards offer various tech options to inspire diverse designs through integration. Additionally, two thought canvases support process development and idea exchange, fostering collaborative design.
Research
Heritage Spark cards are designed to provide a quick entry point for users with no prior knowledge of Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH). This research explores how card design can effectively convey ICH knowledge, foster user empathy, and encourage users to adopt the perspective of ICH bearers. The cards guide users to identify challenges facing ICH, define problems, and utilize divergent thinking to generate innovative solutions for ICH protection and transmission.
Inspiration
In the era of rapid technological growth, the protection and promotion of Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) face major challenges. Our course experience and student feedback reveal a lack of ICH awareness. To foster innovative ICH design, it is essential to quickly grasp its essence, analyze its status from various angles, and explore its fusion with new technologies. Thus, we created Heritage Spark, a toolkit to inspire creative ICH design.
Image Credits
The above material comes from our own team.
Project Overview
Heritage Spark Design Inspiring Toolkit has been a Iron winner in the Education, Teaching Aid and Training Content Design award category in the year 2024 organized by the prestigious A' Design Award & Competition. The Iron A' Design Award is awarded to good designs that meet the rigorous professional and industrial standards set by the A' Design Awards. This recognition is reserved for works that demonstrate a solid understanding of design principles and show creativity within their execution. Recipients of the Iron A' Design Award are acknowledged for their practical innovations and contributions to their respective fields, providing solutions that improve quality of life and foster positive change. These designs are a testament to the skill and dedication of their creators, showcasing their ability to address real-world challenges through thoughtful design.
Iron Recognition
Hanshu Shen was recognized with the coveted Iron A' Design Award in 2025, a testament to excellence of their work Heritage Spark Design Inspiring Toolkit.
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