Design Science Research (DSR) Framework for Heritage Hybridisation and Digital Manufacturing of Contemporary Jewellery

This study discusses the preservation and transformation of traditional Malay craft heritage through a hybrid approach that integrates traditional craftsmanship practices with digital manufacturing technologies. Grounded in the national Corak Malaysia project, this research develops a Computer-Aided Design (CAD) Innovation Framework to translate the aesthetic values and visual symbolism of the Mutiara Pipit Motif (inspired by the turkey berry flower) and the Motif Lapan (Figure-of-Eight Motif) into contemporary Malay bracelet designs. The research is structured around the Design Science Research (DSR) methodology to address issues of digital authenticity and the loss of narrative value in mass production. Visual analysis was conducted using Charles Sanders Peirce’s Semiotic Theory, examining the relationship between the representamen, object, and interpretant of the physical artifacts fabricated from 925 sterling silver, cubic zirconia stones, and rhodium plating. An expert review was undertaken with the participation of three industry experts representing jewellery design, creative heritage, and the creative industries. The evaluation focused on aesthetic quality, cultural telesis, ergonomic performance, and commercial marketability. The evaluation results indicate high mean scores across all criteria, proving that the integration of the DSR-Semiotic framework not only successfully produces premium, ergonomic, and highly competitive ethnic jewellery but also contributes a replicable methodological blueprint for the preservation of other intangible cultural heritage crafts. The study implications suggest that digital hybridization can positively influence younger generations’ perceptions of heritage crafts, positioning them as relevant and inclusive contemporary jewellery products.

Design Science Research (DSR); Heritage Hybridization; Digital Manufacturing; Peirce's Semiotics; Contemporary Jewellery

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