Knowledge Mapping and Research Trends of New Media Technology Applications in Exhibition Spaces

With the rapid development of virtual reality, augmented reality, mixed reality, and artificial intelligence, exhibition space design and communication have undergone significant transformations. This study systematically reviews the research progress using the Web of Science Core Collection as the data source. Publications from 2015 to 2025 were analyzed through bibliometric and visualization tools, including R-biblioshiny, CiteSpace, and VOSviewer. The analysis examined annual publication trends, keyword co-occurrence and bursts, thematic evolution, and national and institutional collaboration networks. Results show a steady growth in studies, with peaks in 2018 and 2023, reflecting strong academic interest in immersive exhibition technologies. “Virtual reality” and “augmented reality” remain central themes, while “cultural heritage”, “exhibition design”, and “user experience” are major application domains. Emerging topics such as “artificial intelligence”, “virtual environments”, and “data visualization” highlight a shift toward intelligence-driven and experience-centered research. China and the United States lead in output and influence internationally, whereas European countries show regional collaboration. Despite these advances, limitations persist regarding intelligent applications, cross-cultural comparisons, longitudinal research, theoretical development, and sustainability concerns. By mapping knowledge structures and research frontiers, this study offers valuable insights for advancing academic inquiry and guiding innovative practices in exhibition spaces.