Introduction

As a unique cultural asset, intangible cultural heritage (ICH) not only embodies cultural and ethnic diversity but also fosters identity and creativity1,2. The importance of its intergenerational transmission cannot be overstated. However, the disappearance of ICH due to the impacts of globalization and modernization is a worldwide concern, as it undermines cultural diversity by promoting convergent cultures and values while neglecting the unique traditions of various regions and countries3. The survival of ICH, particularly traditional techniques that lack physical artifacts and rely heavily on traditional tools and oral transmission of inheritors4, is at significant risk of degradation and disappearance.

With the rapid development of digital technologies and social media, the number of Internet users in China has reached 1.1 billion and continues to grow5. As a result, traditional ICH techniques have gained recognition as valuable resources on various social platforms due to their rich cultural significance. Although digitalization has emerged as a crucial means of promoting the sustainable development of ICH, the assessment and analysis of its dissemination effects remain insufficient6, particularly in terms of evaluating the dissemination outcomes of different ICH subcategories7. Therefore, a systematic and effective approach to digital dissemination is urgently needed to enhance public awareness and safeguard these invaluable cultural resources.

As a renowned cultural city with over 2000 years of history, Chengdu boasts a rich and diverse intangible cultural heritage (ICH), with different categories reflecting distinct characteristics, cultural connotations, and social customs. Although the government and various cultural institutions in Chengdu have actively engaged in cultural dissemination, such as establishing ICH databases and official websites, developing online platforms for shopping, learning, and tourism, and regularly promoting content through social media, there is still a lack of a targeted evaluation system to assess the effectiveness of digital dissemination across different ICH categories. Such a system is essential for achieving comprehensive and efficient cultural dissemination (excerpted from the interview with the staff of Chengdu Intangible Cultural Heritage Protection Center).

As the most representative brocade weaving skill in China, the brocade weaving technique is deeply rooted in the unique “Shu” culture and long-standing history, reflecting the wisdom of the local people and the customs of the region. This traditional craft has contributed to economic development, social stability, and national unity8. As a historical carrier of cultural exchange and trade along the world-famous Silk Road, it holds significant cultural value9, and has gained increasing public recognition through digital dissemination.

Currently, the digital dissemination of the Shu brocade weaving technique is undergoing a critical period of transformation and development (Excerpted from the interview with the staff of Chengdu Intangible Cultural Heritage Protection Center). In this context, constructing a scientific evaluation system is essential for optimizing dissemination methods and fostering cultural self-confidence, making this research highly relevant and timely10.

Based on this background, this study selects the Shu brocade weaving technique as a case study and aims to develop an evaluation indicator system to assess the effectiveness of digital dissemination for traditional ICH techniques. It seeks to address the following research questions:

Q1. What indicators influence the effectiveness of the digital dissemination of the Shu brocade weaving technique?

Q2. Which indicators are most significant in the digital dissemination of the Shu brocade weaving technique?

With the recent advancements in information and communications technologies (ICTs)11, high-speed and widespread information exchange has become possible through modern technologies12. The integration of multiple digital technologies and methods in the dissemination of intangible cultural heritage (ICH) has garnered significant attention from researchers7,13. Currently, the digital dissemination of traditional techniques and craftsmanship has evolved beyond the use of technologies such as 3D simulation, augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), and artificial intelligence (AI)14,15,16,17. It now includes virtual museums, online exhibitions18, short videos19, multimedia system20, digital platforms21, virtual experience22, and digital community23,24. The efficiency and accessibility of digital tools enhance the quality of ICH dissemination, making cultural resources more diverse and engaging.

Most existing research on the digital dissemination of ICH primarily focuses on media promotion, including technologies and platforms25, as well as the audience perception of traditional techniques of ICH26. However, the effectiveness of digital dissemination is not solely determined by technological innovations and media advancements27. Other critical factors, such as the participation of multi-level dissemination stakeholders and the authenticity and integrity of the disseminated content, must also be considered.

Using the technology acceptance model and the AIDMA audience response model, Xue et al. developed a comprehensive evaluation framework for assessing the communication effects of ICH from a macro perspective7. Although their study incorporated insights from multiple researchers and experts, it lacks a micro-level perspective and fails to classify and analyze different ICH types. Additionally, it overlooks the crucial role of craft practitioners in preserving and transmitting traditional ICH techniques28.

Several studies have focused on the micro perspective, examining the role of specific dissemination subjects or audiences in evaluating ICH dissemination. From the standpoint of inheritors, researchers have identified performance evaluation indicators for traditional sports ICH and explored factors influencing inheritors’ well-being29. However, these studies have largely overlooked other stakeholders and categories of ICH. Men and Chen developed an evaluation model for immersive experiences in ICH dissemination from the audience’s perspective but failed to analyze dissemination subjects and content6.

Recent studies have begun to focus on the specific category of handicraft ICH, identifying five key factors that significantly impact its digital dissemination and the relationships among them27. However, the selection of interview samples lacked the inclusion of inheritors and craftsmen who have mastered the full range of traditional techniques, thereby neglecting their crucial role in ensuring the authenticity and comprehensive transmission of ICH content.

Research on evaluating the effects of digital dissemination and promoting the high-quality development of ICH remains insufficient, particularly in the category of traditional techniques30. There is also a lack of studies addressing the perspective of dissemination subjects and the targeted categorization of different types of ICH.

This study identifies a gap in incorporating indicators related to cultural sustainability, the transmission of knowledge by inheritors, and the involvement of craftsmen, particularly in the category of traditional techniques of ICH. Therefore, adopting a stakeholder perspective that has been previously overlooked, this research selects the Shu brocade weaving technique as a case study. It explores the indicators and their respective weights that influence the effectiveness of digital dissemination in the category of traditional techniques through semi-structured interviews and modern methods such as the Delphi method and the analytic hierarchy process (AHP).

Methods

The Chinese government places great importance on the digital development and preservation of its invaluable intangible cultural heritage (ICH)31,32. As a result, evaluating the effectiveness of digital dissemination has become an essential aspect of ensuring the scientific sustainability of ICH, warranting further in-depth study33,34.

The evaluation indicator system for assessing the digital dissemination effects of the Shu brocade weaving technique serves as a framework for evaluating the digital dissemination of Chengdu’s traditional ICH techniques. This system helps identify weaknesses in the digital dissemination process, thereby improving outreach efforts. It also supports the management of ICH dissemination, facilitating more effective engagement between ICH and the public. Moreover, it enables ICH administrators and researchers to respond quickly and effectively to audience needs, ensuring high-quality and efficient dissemination. By enhancing digital dissemination, this system contributes to stable employment and economic benefits for Chengdu’s ICH practitioners and inheritors while preserving traditional culture, fulfilling the public’s spiritual and cultural needs, and promoting the sustainable development of ICH.

Currently, the digital dissemination of Chengdu’s traditional techniques of ICH primarily focuses on the application of digital technologies, often overlooking the evaluation and analysis of dissemination effects. In particular, there remain significant gaps in the development of systematic evaluation indicators. To scientifically identify key indicators for assessing the dissemination effects of the Shu brocade weaving technique, this study adopts semi-structured interviews with stakeholders to gather initial indicators. The weights of these indicators are then determined using modern methodologies such as the Delphi method and the analytic hierarchy process (AHP), leading to the development of a tailored evaluation system specifically designed for the Shu brocade weaving technique.

Semi-structured interviews

This study employs an interview-based approach to obtain scientifically sourced, first-hand data and systematically examines key aspects of the digital dissemination of Chengdu’s traditional techniques. Semi-structured interviews were conducted to gain an in-depth understanding of the current status, challenges, and future prospects of traditional ICH techniques in Chengdu within the context of digitalization. These interviews followed a structured research methodology, involving various stakeholders such as government representatives, management institutions, research institutions, inheritors, cultural organizations, and industry professionals. Data collection took place in Chengdu from November 2023 to July 2024.

A total of 10 highly representative and authoritative respondents, encompassing practitioners, managers, and researchers specializing in the Shu brocade weaving technique, participated in the semi-structured interviews. Table 1 presents the inclusion and exclusion criteria, while Table 2 provides detailed information about the respondents. The participants included: two administrators from the Sichuan and Chengdu Intangible Cultural Heritage Protection Centers, one inheritor of Shu brocade weaving technique, two museum staff members from Chengdu Museum and the Chengdu Shu Brocade Weaving Museum, two researchers from Chengdu Textile College and the Shu Brocade Research Center, one Shu brocade practitioner, and two industry representatives from Shu Jiang Jin Yuan, which is the protection unit of the Shu brocade weaving technique.

Table 1 Inclusion and exclusion criteria for stakeholders selected for the semi-structured interview
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Table 2 Interviewee information
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The questions for the semi-structured interviews were initially developed based on a systematic literature review and refined through feedback from various stakeholders. The interview questions covered five key perspectives: managers, inheritors, museum staff, researchers, and industry representatives. Since the research was conducted in Chengdu, China, a bilingual version of the questionnaire is available in both English and Chinese and was used during the interview sessions. The questionnaire was further reviewed and validated by two social science experts to ensure accuracy and relevance. These semi-structured interviews were conducted with the informed consent of the participants and under the supervision of the National University of Malaysia Ethics Committee.

In qualitative research, data collection can be concluded when the information gathered begins to show significant repetition, indicating saturation4. During the actual interview process, data saturation was considered achieved when newly obtained information contributed less than 5% of additional insights23. After conducting eight interviews with nine respondents, the data collection reached saturation. Table 3 provides detailed information on the respondents.

Table 3 The number of interviews required to reach saturation
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Additionally, to enrich the data sources and ensure a robust and reasonable data analysis, relevant information and resources were collected on the digitalization of the Shu brocade weaving technique and previous dissemination activities. These materials, released by various departments related to the Shu brocade weaving technique in Chengdu, were used to verify interview responses and supplement the analysis. It is crucial that while there were some variations in the formal semi-structured interview questions across different departments during the interview process, these differences did not impact the subsequent data analysis.

The Delphi method and the analytic hierarchy process method

The Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) is a widely used structured decision-making method in social science research, originally proposed in the 1970s35. This method is particularly effective for decision-making in complex systems that are difficult to analyze qualitatively7, and enables the scientific determination of indicator weights36. By decomposing different levels and elements and establishing a quantitative weighting relationship, AHP simplifies complex decision-making problems. The Delphi method involves the rational judgments of anonymous experts in the research field through iterative data collection and analysis, incorporating immediate and traceable feedback. This research approach ensures that experts can independently express their opinions with minimal external influence37.

Therefore, to enhance analytical accuracy, this study integrates both the Delphi method and the AHP method. The Delphi method systematically integrates different viewpoints through anonymous expert opinions to reach consensus on complex interdisciplinary topics, and the consistency test of the AHP method effectively controls its possible bias. The organic combination of these methods strengthens the systematic nature of the analysis while maintaining a high degree of flexibility. This approach allows for a more comprehensive and in-depth exploration of the underlying data38.

Meanwhile, to ensure robustness, the Delphi method was conducted in two iterative rounds to refine and validate the evaluation indicators for the digital dissemination of the Shu brocade weaving technique. The first round involved collecting expert opinions through a structured questionnaire, and the second round allowed experts to reassess their responses based on statistical feedback from the first round. This iterative approach ensured consensus-building and enhanced the reliability of the selected indicators.

Thirty expert panels were selected for their interdisciplinary expertise in domains critical to the study, including digital dissemination, ICH preservation, textile engineering, heritage education, and policy design for ICH, which corresponds to the first-level indicators of communication, technology, culture, transmission, and policy dimensions. Their composition ensures comprehensive, multidisciplinary coverage of related scope, including dissemination accessibility, cultural authenticity, transmission feasibility, and societal impact, while balancing alignment with both theoretical frameworks and practical implementation needs. Table 4 outlines the selection criteria, and Table 5 details the panel’s sectoral diversity, which covers academia, cultural institutions, the Shu brocade industry, and government agencies. The construction of the evaluation indicator system provides both theoretical support and practical guidance for preserving and disseminating traditional ICH techniques. This system aims to enhance the effectiveness of digital dissemination and support the sustainable development of ICH.

Table 4 Inclusion and exclusion criteria for experts selected for the AHP questionnaire survey
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Table 5 Detailed qualifications of the 30 experts involved in the evaluation of the indicators
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Results

Evaluation indicator system of the digital dissemination effect of the Shu brocade weaving technique

The preliminary selection of indicators was based on a review of previous literature and findings from semi-structured interviews. After transcribing and translating the oral Chinese interview data into English, the data were imported into NVivo 14 software39 for coding and analysis. This study strictly followed the three-step coding process: open coding, axial coding, and selective coding (refer to Table 6 for detailed information).

Table 6 Examples of the coding process
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The indicators and their respective weights were determined through two rounds of expert questionnaires. Based on this, a comprehensive, scientific, and feasible hierarchical framework for evaluating the digital dissemination effects of Shu brocade weaving technique was developed. The target level of the framework aims to achieve high efficiency in the digital dissemination of traditional ICH techniques. The primary and secondary indicator levels were structured according to the evaluation indicator system, effectively addressing the first research question of this study. For more details, refer to Table 7.

Table 7 Evaluation indicator system of the digital dissemination effects of the Shu brocade weaving technique
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Determine the judgment matrix

Referring to the table of comparison scales determined by Saaty (see Table 8), 2 factors \({X}_{i}\) and \({X}_{j}\) of the same factor level are selected. The ratio size of the impact of factor \({X}_{i}\) and factor \({X}_{j}\) on the ability to maintain the digital dissemination effects of traditional techniques is expressed by \({a}_{{ij}}\). All the comparison results of the same level are expressed by the matrix \(A={({a}_{ij})}_{n\times n}\), which is the judgment matrix. The experts compared the five dimensions of the first-level indicator layer, i.e., technology dimension, cultural dimension, communication dimension, transmission dimension, and policy dimension, and constructed a judgment matrix for the first-level indicators. Similarly, the corresponding judgment matrix was constructed for the secondary indicators under each level 1 indicator.

Table 8 Scale of comparison
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Hierarchical single ordering and consistency tests

Calculate the maximum eigenvalue of the corresponding to the judgment matrix \({\lambda }_{\max }\) and the eigenvector W corresponding to \({\lambda }_{\max }\). Calculate the consistency index “CI” of the judgment matrix as shown in Eq. (1):

$${CI}=\frac{{\lambda }_{\max }-n}{n-1}$$
(1)

In Eq. (1), \({\lambda }_{\max }\) is the maximum eigenvalue of the judgment matrix; “n” is the order of the matrix.

The consistency ratio of the judgment matrix “CR” is calculated according to the average random consistency index table as shown in Eq. (2):

$${CR}=\frac{{CI}}{{RI}}$$
(2)

In Eq. (2), CI is the consistency index of the judgment matrix; RI is the average consistency index corresponding to the judgment matrix.

The average random consistency index is shown in Table 9.

Table 9 The average random consistency index
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Hierarchical multiple ordering and consistency tests

The hierarchical ordering gives the weights of each tier indicator on the previous tier and recursively gives the weights of all the indicators on the digital dissemination effects of traditional techniques of ICH. Let an indicator in indicator layer A be \({A}_{j}\), and its next level indicators be \({b}_{I}\), …, \({b}_{k}\), then according to the hierarchical single ordering weights of \({A}_{j}\), \({b}_{1j}\), …,\({b}_{{nj}}\), the weights of the digital dissemination effect can be derived, as shown in Eq. (3):

$${b}_{i}=\mathop{\sum }\limits_{j=1}^{l}{b}_{{ij}}{a}_{j},\,i=1,\ldots ,k$$
(3)

In Eq. (3), \({b}_{{ij}}\) is the weight of the “i-th” element of layer B with respect to \({a}_{i}\) and \({a}_{i}\) is the weight of the “j-th” element of layer A concerning the target; “I” is the number of indicators in layer A; and “k” is the number of indicators in layer B.

The hierarchical total ranking requires a test of consistency, and the degree of non-consistency accumulated layer by layer may lead to errors. Thus, a consistency ratio calculation through Eq. (4). is required.

$${{CR}}^{B}={{CR}}^{B-1}+\frac{{a}_{1}{{CI}}_{1}+{a}_{2}{{CI}}_{2}+\cdots +{a}_{l}{{CI}}_{l}}{{a}_{1}{{RI}}_{1}+{a}_{2}{{RI}}_{2}+\cdots +{a}_{l}{{RI}}_{l}}$$
(4)

In Eq. (4), \({{CR}}^{B}\) represents the consistency ratio of the previous layer of B to the total target layer; \({a}_{i}\) is the weight of the i-th element of layer A to the target; \({{CI}}_{j}\) is the consistency index of the elements of layer B to \({A}_{j}\); \({{RI}}_{j}\) is the corresponding average random consistency index of layer B; “j” takes 1, 2, 3, …, l.

When \({{CR}}^{B} < 0.1\), then the consistency test of the total ranking passes, and the calculated weights of each level (W) can be used. Otherwise, it is necessary to reconstruct the judgment matrix. The judgment matrix of the first-level indicators was derived by comparing the importance of the first-level indicators two by two by 30 experts. Taking Expert 1 as an example, Table 10 presents the judgment matrix of the importance of the comparisons of the first-level indicators. The consistency ratio of 0.01363 is calculated, which passes the consistency test. Similarly, the judgment matrices for the two-by-two comparisons of the other 29 experts’ level 1 indicators also passed the consistency test.

Table 10 Example of the judgment matrix of the two-by-two comparison of level 1 indicators by expert 1
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Determination of indicator weights

The weight scores assigned by 30 experts for the five Level 1 indicators were averaged to determine the final weight values. Table 11 shows that academic researchers, government administrators, and Shu brocade industry practitioners all consider “cultural” and “transmission” to be the most critical dimensions for evaluating the effectiveness of the digital dissemination of Shu brocade weaving technique. The cultural dimension primarily includes indicators related to the authenticity in the dissemination of traditional skills, integrity of cultural heritage content, and cultural sustainability. The transmission dimension includes indicators reflecting on the smoothness of data exchange, participation of inheritors, and authenticity of cultural heritage demonstration and transmission by inheritors.

Table 11 Weight ranking for the first-level indicators
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The initial questionnaires were reviewed by two social science experts to refine and finalize the first round of the Delphi method. Based on this review, a questionnaire with 33 evaluation indicators across five evaluation dimensions was developed. The anonymous expert inquiry questionnaires were distributed via email to 30 highly relevant experts, including researchers, government officials, and practitioners specializing in the Shu brocade weaving technique. Experts were asked to assess the appropriateness and significance of each evaluation indicator by comparing and weighing them. The ranking questionnaire utilized a five-point scale, assigning scores are highly important (9), important (7), not sure whether important or not (5), less important (3), and unimportant (1).

During this process, 30 questionnaires were distributed, and all 30 were returned, resulting in a 100% effective response rate. The importance scores, coefficient of variation, relative weights, and rankings of the 33 second-level indicators based on expert evaluations are detailed in Table 12, addressing the second research question.

Table 12 The relative importance and weight ranking of the second-level indicators results
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Discussion

Based on the in-depth participation of 10 highly representative stakeholders in the Shu brocade weaving technique and the comprehensive assessment of 30 related researchers, government administrators, and industry practitioners, detailed evaluation indicators were identified and constructed. As a result, the digital dissemination effect evaluation indicator system demonstrates strong credibility and applicability. This research provides a valuable reference for future digital dissemination efforts, emphasizing that digitalization should not be pursued solely for its technological appeal but should instead prioritize cultural inheritance, content authenticity, and the sustainable development of heritage, thereby contributing to the digital transformation and sustainable development of ICH in China.

The evaluation indicator system consists of two levels of indicators. Unlike previous studies that primarily emphasized technology and policy40,41,42. This study identified “cultural” and “transmission” as the most critical first-level indicators, as recognized by researchers, government officials, and industry personnel. This integrates cultural sustainability theory, which emphasizes balancing innovation with the preservation of living traditions and cultural diversity43. The transmission dimension, as the core of dissemination, ensures that ICH content remains complete and authentic, playing a pivotal role in enhancing the effectiveness of digital dissemination23. Meanwhile, the cultural dimension, which contains cultural value and social impact, significantly contributes to the success of ICH digital dissemination7.

At the second-level indicator stage, “Complete recording and preservation” was identified as the most important factor, which reflects practical efforts to construct the Shu brocade weaving technique as a living heritage rather than a static product, fostering cultural identity among younger generations. In contrast, indicators under the technology dimension were assigned relatively low importance; the “Full application of digital technologies” and “Vividness” received the lowest weights. Overall, the authenticity and integrity of cultural connotations, the sustainable transmission of cultural heritage, and high levels of stakeholder participation were more widely recognized as key factors in the digital dissemination of the Shu brocade weaving technique. In an era of rapid digital advancement, greater emphasis should be placed on cultural significance, historical memory, and humanistic values embedded in traditional techniques44, fostering cultural identity and confidence. Consequently, these indicators hold significant value for the contemporary relevance and sustainable development of traditional techniques.

A comparison of weights and importance rankings revealed that among the 33 second-level indicators, the top ten (in order of significance) include:

  1. 1.

    Complete record and preservation (transmission dimension)

  2. 2.

    Minimizing the impact of inheritor withdrawal (transmission dimension)

  3. 3.

    Financial support (policy dimension)

  4. 4.

    Preserve cultural content (cultural dimension)

  5. 5.

    Sustainable development of ICH (cultural dimension)

  6. 6.

    Smooth communication channels (communication dimension)

  7. 7.

    Close linkage between stakeholders (communication dimension)

  8. 8.

    Stable digital storage (technology dimension)

  9. 9.

    Limitless of the teaching and inheritance (transmission dimension)

  10. 10.

    Authentic characteristics and craft features (cultural dimension)

These top ten indicators are evenly distributed among the five first-level dimensions, highlighting the interconnected relationships among various evaluation factors. While dimensions carry different weights, they are all indispensable and collectively contribute to a comprehensive evaluation system. Based on that, these indicators collectively address critical challenges in the digital dissemination of traditional ICH techniques and promote effective dissemination. By emphasizing stable storage and authentic characteristics, the system avoids tech-first risks. Indicators of “Inheritor involvement” and “Clear and fast communication between the various stakeholders” ensure digital tools remain rooted in lived expertise, preventing bias and incompleteness. Financial support and sustainable development indicators foster digital projects with long-term community benefits.

From a technological perspective, excessive focus should not be placed on dazzling digital applications, interactive displays, or “cool-looking” vividness, as these factors received the lowest weights. The true purpose of digital dissemination in traditional techniques of ICH is to enhance public understanding by ensuring the complete and authentic recording of traditional skills and cultural connotations. The effectiveness of dissemination is ultimately reflected in the maximum exchange of content and information, rather than in technological spectacle alone.

Additionally, this study highlights several key aspects that can enhance the effectiveness of digital dissemination for the Shu brocade weaving technique. Firstly, increasing the involvement of inheritors and artisans in digital dissemination is crucial to reducing the impact of skill loss. This emphasizes the co-creation of inheritors and inclusive digital communities. As one respondent emphasized, “When the few precious inheritors are gone, this skill will be completely lost” (S09). Actively engaging inheritors in the digital documentation process is essential for ensuring the sustainable development of ICH. Additionally, it is vital to maintain a complete and authentic record of traditional techniques and skills. As respondents S09 and S10 stated: “Inheritors and frontline skilled workers know everything about the Shu brocade weaving technique. We are very willing to disseminate and publicize our experiences and skills”.

These findings set this study apart from previous digitization efforts, which primarily emphasized the application and development of technologies41,45 and the expansion of digital platforms46,47 for traditional ICH techniques. This shift reflects the growing recognition among stakeholders of the importance of cultural authenticity, skill inheritance, and effective participant communication in the digital dissemination of ICH.

In conclusion, this study constructs an evaluation indicator system to assess the digital dissemination effects of the Shu brocade weaving technique, advancing methodologies for safeguarding traditional ICH techniques in the digital era. Beyond its immediate contributions, the findings provide critical insights for shaping future research agendas and policy frameworks, with implications extending to global heritage preservation practices and providing a scientific and systematic approach to evaluating ICH preservation in the digital age.

The major contributions of this study are threefold. First, this research has introduced a comprehensive framework that evaluates not only technological aspects but also cultural authenticity, inheritor involvement, and policy support in digital dissemination. Second, transmission and cultural dimensions are identified as the most critical factors, shifting the focus from technology-driven approaches to people-centered dissemination strategies. Third, a replicable model for evaluating digital dissemination is provided, which can be adapted for other traditional techniques, such as the weaving technique of Nanjing brocade and Suzhou embroidery, to enhance cultural preservation and public engagement.

A key finding is that a digital community that leverages stakeholders and digital technologies to facilitate efficient dissemination is more significant than merely applying digital tools. As one respondent suggested, “Creating a new space, where traditional techniques, digital technology, social media, and stakeholders work together to promote the digital dissemination of ICH” (S02). Such a collaborative digital space would enable ICH inheritors, practitioners, researchers, and managers to engage transparently and equally, fostering knowledge exchange without hierarchical barriers or information blockages. By using indicators as a basis for policy and practice, stakeholders can transform digital dissemination into cultural sustainability, which honors the past and empowers communities to thrive in the digital age.

While digital technologies such as VR, AR, and AI have been widely used in ICH dissemination, this study underscores that effective digitalization should prioritize content authenticity, knowledge transfer, and emotional connections over technological novelty. This supports the theory that ICH digitization must be human-centered rather than purely technology-driven.

The findings of this study offer valuable practical applications for cultural institutions, policymakers, and digital heritage practitioners. Governments and cultural policymakers can use this indicator system to develop policies that prioritize cultural integrity and long-term sustainability. Besides, museums, digital platforms, and cultural organizations can use these indicators to design more effective digital storytelling strategies that emphasize the emotional and historical depth of the Shu brocade weaving rather than just its aesthetic appeal.

Although this study focuses on the subdivided traditional techniques category of ICH and takes the Shu brocade weaving technique as a case study, which fills the gap of previous studies on the evaluation of the digital dissemination effects of this specific ICH category, further research should explore the cross-cultural applicability of this indicator system by testing it on other ICH categories, allowing for a more refined and universal evaluation approach. By doing so, this study contributes to the global discourse on digital heritage management, sustainability, and cultural diversity.