<abstract xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">
<p>The combination of social engagement engines and immersive technologies, such as virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and digital twins holds great potential for the development of tourism industry during the designing and planning stages. When introduced to experts, this innovative approach allows us to advance creative solutions while keeping the community engaged and enhancing the decision-making process. Virtual designing and planning processes can significantly transform the workflows of professionals and promote inclusive practices in all Jordanian archaeological and heritage sites, particularly those involved in the “Accessible Tourism” project. This article presents an exploratory quantitative study conducted through a comprehensive literature review and participatory interviews. The study involved 23 participants from the “Accessible Tourism” project. It focused on identifying professionals’ barriers affecting the application of inclusivity in historical sites. Additionally, the study defined challenges and requirements to determine digitally inclusive applications. The study results highlighted the challenges faced by stakeholders and experts in developing inclusivity in built heritage sites in Jordan, such as interdepartmental communication, historic preservation constraints, and comprehension of accessibility codes. It also addressed the difficulties in engaging users with disabilities or marginalized communities in developing inclusive facilities. Based on these findings, a unique framework for remotely analysing target users within an immersive environment is proposed. This framework has been developed in collaboration with key stakeholders and set the stage for further research and collaboration. Future research should emphasize the importance of inclusive practices and user involvement in designing accessible and enriching tourism experiences at Jordan’s heritage sites.</p>
</abstract>

The combination of social engagement engines and immersive technologies, such as virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and digital twins holds great potential for the development of tourism industry during the designing and planning stages. When introduced to experts, this innovative approach allows us to advance creative solutions while keeping the community engaged and enhancing the decision-making process. Virtual designing and planning processes can significantly transform the workflows of professionals and promote inclusive practices in all Jordanian archaeological and heritage sites, particularly those involved in the “Accessible Tourism” project. This article presents an exploratory quantitative study conducted through a comprehensive literature review and participatory interviews. The study involved 23 participants from the “Accessible Tourism” project. It focused on identifying professionals’ barriers affecting the application of inclusivity in historical sites. Additionally, the study defined challenges and requirements to determine digitally inclusive applications. The study results highlighted the challenges faced by stakeholders and experts in developing inclusivity in built heritage sites in Jordan, such as interdepartmental communication, historic preservation constraints, and comprehension of accessibility codes. It also addressed the difficulties in engaging users with disabilities or marginalized communities in developing inclusive facilities. Based on these findings, a unique framework for remotely analysing target users within an immersive environment is proposed. This framework has been developed in collaboration with key stakeholders and set the stage for further research and collaboration. Future research should emphasize the importance of inclusive practices and user involvement in designing accessible and enriching tourism experiences at Jordan’s heritage sites.

Using a digital participatory approach to facilitate inclusivity in Jordanian heritage sites: Stakeholders’ requirements and a proposed system

aseelmohammadirsheid.alja'afreh@brunel.ac.uk

Architecture Papers of the Faculty of Architecture and Design STU

This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

The combination of social engagement engines and immersive technologies, such as virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and digital twins holds great...

Using a digital participatory approach to facilitate inclusivity in Jordanian heritage sites: Stakeholders’ requirements and a proposed system

Published Online: Sep 20, 2023

Page range: 3 - 9

Received: Jun 25, 2023

Accepted: Jul 25, 2023

DOI: https://doi.org/10.2478/alfa-2023-0014

Keywords
participatory approach, inclusive design, immersive technology, community engagement, built heritage sites

© 2023 Aseel Aljaafreh et al., published by Sciendo

This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

Using a digital participatory approach to facilitate inclusivity in Jordanian heritage sites: Stakeholders’ requirements and a proposed system

Published Online: Sep 20, 2023

Page range: 3 - 9

Received: Jun 25, 2023

Accepted: Jul 25, 2023

DOI: https://doi.org/10.2478/alfa-2023-0014

Keywordsparticipatory approach, inclusive design, immersive technology, community engagement, built heritage sites

© 2023 Aseel Aljaafreh et al., published by Sciendo

This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

Keywords
participatory approach, inclusive design, immersive technology, community engagement, built heritage sites