From heritage to digital fashion: a curriculum integration framework for art and design education

Introduction The deserts of Saudi Arabia are rich in rock art and cultural heritage sites, with ancient murals in the AlUla region holding significant symbolic meaning. Heritage plays an important role in preserving cultural values and strengthening national identity. Fashion designers often draw inspiration from heritage sites because they offer a wealth of shapes, structures, and historical contexts. Although some studies have focused on cultural heritage sites, little is known about how fashion design instructors use heritage sites, such as rock art, in education, or incorporate technological tools during the learning process. The current study aims to ingrate a curriculum integration (CI) theory to explore how educators can effectively integrate fashion design, heritage, and technology to enhance learning outcomes. Additionally, it investigates the researcher’s application of CI theory within a project-based learning (PBL) framework, focusing on the symbolic meanings associated with rock art in AlUla in Saudi Arabia as a form of human communication by analyzing details using Perkins’ model. This analysis includes the development of fashion designs using technological tools such as FashionDraw and Procreate applications. Methods This study employs practice-based research (PBR) methods, including action research, experimentation, and autoethnography, to gain a deeper understanding of how fashion design, cultural heritage, and technology can be integrated. The research involves the investigator visiting various locations in t AlUla city at the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) to acquire practical knowledge of rock art heritage, which serves as a source of inspiration. Results The findings highlight two main themes: (1) applying CI theory to design on cultural heritage, fashion, and technology in PBL, (2) explore and analyze cultural context of the rock art of AlUla using Perkins’ model, and (3) developing Innovative fashion collections inspired by AlUla rock art through technology. The study produced six innovative fashion illustrations and recommends integrating Saudi heritage and technology into fashion education and practice. Discussion This study examines the significance of AlUla rock art as a vital component of cultural heritage in Saudi Arabia. It analyzes intricate artistic details and employs the FashionDraw and Procreate applications to develop design concepts. Further research is needed to investigate cultural heritage at local and international levels and to incorporate innovative technological tools into educational contexts.