Heritage, culture and digital innovation

Exploring the intersection between heritage and digital innovation
South West Innovation Expo

Heritage, culture and digital innovation

Exploring the intersection between heritage and digital innovation
Heritage is the past viewed from a contemporary perspective. With its significance in culture, education, economy, environment and society, it shapes identities, preserves knowledge and collective memory, boosts tourism, supports conservation efforts and promotes social cohesion. It provides a sense of belonging and continuity across generations. Digital innovation plays a crucial role in democratising access to heritage and redefining how we engage with the past. Modern technologies, such as virtual and augmented reality, provide immersive experiences that bring history to life, enriching our understanding of the past.

Heritage, culture and digital innovation research insights

At Plymouth, the heritage, culture and digital innovation research covers the intersection between heritage and digital innovation and harnesses the power of technology to safeguard, interpret, and celebrate cultural heritage in the digital age. 
Our ongoing research and partnerships embed communities in the co-creation of digital heritage initiatives. Through this, we foster a sense of ownership and connection to place and local heritage while empowering them to share their stories and perspectives.
Ruptured Domesticity: mapping spaces of refuge in Iraq

Explore our research projects

River Dart
Portrait of a Place: The River Dart Anglers
Nikkei memory capture time map
Nikkei Memory Capture Project
Intergenerational Codesign of Novel technologies In Coastal communities (ICONIC)
Intergenerational Codesign of Novel technologies In Coastal communities (ICONIC)
Students at Powderham castle
The hidden history of Powderham Castle
Photograph taken by Amsha, Ruptured Atlas project
Ruptured Atlas Creative Mapping of Yazidi Odyssey of Home, Displacement, Migration and Return
A letter rack painted by Cornelis van der Meulen in 1673 (Credit Cornelius van der Meulen via Wikimedia Commons)
Centuries of separation – how isolation and loneliness has been experienced throughout history
Elderly person in wheelchair exercising using a virtual reality (VR) headset
Generating Older Active Lives Digitally (GOALD)
Lanhydrock plaster ceiling
Restoration of 17th century plaster ceiling at Lanhydrock House
Tiny homemade prayer book
Migrant Materialities
An aerial view of Tinside Lido pool, The Hoe in Plymouth, UK
Investigating the Intertidal Zone
People walking in a large empty plaza in the mountains under a clear sky in black and white. Searching for Leo Story Reseach Group
Searching for Leo
Saltram House
Georgian Sites
Heritage

Plymouth Heritage Praxis

Plymouth Heritage Praxis is a 'praxis' or research-in-practice unit based at the University of Plymouth. 
From archival research and site and collections investigations to the development of interpretation pathways from exhibitions, events and trails to graphic design, locative apps, virtual and augmented reality immersive experiences, we help to deliver historical research, heritage management and interpretation in line with contemporary trends and the ever-changing requirements of the visitor. We aim to work with partners who are keen to support our students, putting real-world experience at the heart of the student experience.

Our researchers

SHAPE disciplines address global challenges associated with marine, health and sustainability through the lens of place

Through five place-based research themes, we investigate the intricate relationships between communities, the natural world, and technology.
 
Locally, we co-create sustainable solutions to complex problems in order to build resilient and thriving neighbourhoods, cities, and regions. This work transcends geographical, social and political boundaries to become applicable on a global level.
Place-based research concept: crowd of people standing on a computer motherboard.
SHAPE – Social Sciences, Humanities, and the Arts for People and the Economy