Protection and dissemination of intangible cultural heritage from the perspective of communication: Case Study of Yiliang crochet tie-dye

Abstract

This study investigates the protection and dissemination of Yiliang Crochet Tie-Dye, a provincial-level intangible cultural heritage in Yunnan, China, endangered by inefficient oral transmission, outdated tools, fragmented knowledge, and limited public participation. Grounded in ICH safeguarding theory and Lasswell's 5W communication model, the research develops the CDDF Systematic Design Method—an iterative cycle of Culture, Design, Dissemination, and Feedback.

Using a mixed-methods approach, the study combines fieldwork, interviews, and focus groups with experimental design, surveys, and digital dissemination analysis. Four design experiments were conducted: (1) a dual-format visual database to document techniques; (2) a modular toolkit with a learning handbook and lightweight crochet tools; (3) dissemination tests in classrooms, communities, tourism, and social media; and (4) a feedback system integrating multi-stakeholder evaluation.

Results show that structured digital resources and redesigned tools greatly enhance accessibility, learning efficiency, and cultural engagement while preserving authenticity. Children, elderly participants, and design students all achieved effective outcomes, and social media dissemination expanded reach, strengthened identity, and increased participation.

Theoretically, the study reframes ICH preservation as a communicative process by integrating cultural heritage theory with design and communication models. Practically, it delivers a replicable framework balancing preservation and innovation. The CDDF method demonstrates how design-driven dissemination can revitalize endangered crafts and provide scalable strategies for safeguarding intangible cultural heritage in contemporary society.

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