Identifying Core Elements of Digital Storytelling for Museum Exhibitions: A Qualitative Study on Educational and Curatorial Applications

Abstract

Digital storytelling (DST) has gained prominence as an educational tool that fosters self-reflection and engagement with personal and cultural narratives. While its application is expanding globally in cultural and heritage research, most studies, particularly in Malaysia, have concentrated on its educational use, with limited attention to museum contexts. The purpose of this study was to identify the fundamental elements of digital storytelling (DST) that are most applicable to cultural and heritage contexts, with particular emphasis on museum exhibitions. Adopting a qualitative research design, the study employed content analysis to derive a set of core DST components, drawing insights from experts and international scholars. The analysis identified ten key elements that form a foundational framework for developing digital stories in museums. The findings underscore the value of refining DST practices based on expert feedback, offering practical guidance for curators and informing future research. Although the study focuses primarily on non-interactive elements, it provides a starting point for broader investigations into DST applications across various domains.