Design framework for digitally enhanced experience of place-belongingness

Geographical belonging includes a personal dimension known as place-belongingness, which plays a critical role in individual and societal well-being. As digital technologies increasingly shape our world, there is a growing need for design frameworks that address how digital artefacts can foster place-belongingness. However, a notable gap remains in design literature. In this study we argue that inclusivity is a fundamental strategy for enhancing place-belongingness and propose a novel design framework for digitally enhanced experiences of place-belongingness. The framework is developed by: (1) formulating the concept and its contributing factors; (2) integrating these factors through an inclusivity-driven lens; and (3) demonstrating how digital technologies can mediate these factors to foster socio-spatial inclusion. This study highlights that digital technologies can be intentionally designed to embrace cultural diversity, promote meaningful connections, ensure equitable access to resources, and address individual needs and characteristics. At the same time, it critically acknowledges the risk that these technologies may reinforce exclusion or fragmentation if not thoughtfully implemented. The proposed framework can be applied across various domains to identify and dismantle social and spatial barriers to inclusion. As the first framework to specifically address the complexities of designing for digitally enhanced place-belongingness, it provides both analytical and generative guidance for past, present and future design practices.