DEC Journal : Art and Design

Bridging Past and Present: Applying Dunhuang Tang Dynasty Mural Paintings into Contemporary Digital Fashion Design

Yunfan Zhang — 2026-04-12

This study focuses on the costume culture depicted in Tang Dynasty Dunhuang murals, exploring its digital translation and integration into contemporary fashion design. It aims to address the research question of how ancient mural art can merge with digital fashion design. A combination of iconographic analysis, practice-based research, and 3D digital reconstruction was employed to systematically examine and reinterpret the form, color, and structure of Dunhuang mural costumes. The findings reveal that these costumes feature flowing lines, balanced silhouettes, and vivid color palettes, reflecting the Tang Dynasty’s aesthetic ideals of grandeur, vitality, and harmony with nature. Through digital reconstruction and creative experimentation, the study successfully transforms traditional Dunhuang costume elements into digital fashion works that embody both cultural depth and modern aesthetics. The innovation of this study lies in introducing a digital fashion design perspective to systematically analyze the aesthetic structure of Dunhuang mural costumes, establishing a translation pathway from traditional imagery to digital fashion, and demonstrating that the fusion of traditional aesthetics and digital technologies not only broadens the expressive language of contemporary fashion design but also contributes to the preservation, inheritance, and global dissemination of cultural heritage.

Logo Study and Designs to Promote Community Products in Sa Kaeo Province

Nattapat Noisawad — 2026-04-12

Sa Kaeo Province has significant potential in terms of natural resources, cultural diversity, and local ways of life, which can be utilized to enhance the identity of community products. However, many community products lack a distinctive logo that effectively communicates local identity and strengthens brand recognition. Therefore, this research aims to (1) study the identity of community products in Sa Kaeo Province, (2) design a logo that reflects the local identity, and (3) evaluate the effectiveness of the designed logo in terms of memorability, aesthetic value, and commercial applicability. The study is based on the concepts of corporate identity design and symbolic graphic design. The research samples consisted of three groups: five community product entrepreneurs, three logo design experts, and fifty tourists visiting Sa Kaeo Province. Data were collected through interviews, questionnaires, and satisfaction evaluation forms. The design process included identity analysis, concept sketching, digital logo development, and evaluation by the sample groups to select the most appropriate design.

The results indicated that the designed logo consisted of three main elements: the text “Khon Sa Kaeo” representing the identity of local community products, the use of green and golden yellow colors symbolizing natural abundance and agricultural richness, and the symbols of a buffalo and a butterfly representing the agricultural lifestyle and the biodiversity of Pang Sida National Park. The evaluation results showed that the logo effectively reflects local identity and is positively recognized in terms of meaning, aesthetics, memorability, and marketing potential.

A Study on Graphic Design Approaches to Create Added Value for Souvenirs to Promote Community-Based Tourism in Thonburi Old Town, Bangkok Yai District, Bangkok

Sanchai Likhitteerawoot — 2026-04-12

This research aimed to study guidelines for graphic design to enhance the value of souvenir products for promoting community-based tourism in the Old Town area of Thonburi, Bangkok Yai District, Bangkok. The research employed a design-based research approach, including questionnaire surveys and focus group discussions. The study involved 415 participants for the survey of opinions and cultural identity elements, and 205 participants for the satisfaction evaluation of the designed products.

The findings revealed that (1) the key cultural symbols of the area include Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn), the Old Royal Palace, and the Giant Guardian statue at Wat Arun, which are distinctive identities of the Old Town area of Thonburi; (2) souvenir products should reflect the visitor experience and possess cultural significance; (3) applying creative graphic design to product development enables a clear communication of the area's identity, leading to the creation of prototype products such as logos, badges, mugs, bags, and T-shirts; and (4) the satisfaction evaluation of 205 participants (including 5 experts
and 200 local residents and tourists) indicated a very high level of satisfaction, with the overall average rating across three key aspects—identity/design, aesthetics, and functionality—ranging from 4.54 to 4.74

Khaosan as Canvas: Mural Art as a Solution for Tourist-Resident Relation Problems

Berti Alia Bahaduri — 2026-04-12

This project examines the social friction and misuse of public space resulting from intense urban tourism in an alleyway in Bangkok's Khaosan district, Thailand. The rapid stream of tourists often creates tension with long-standing local communities. This study employed a Design Thinking approach, utilizing mixed methods including "lifetime stories" and "geo-social mapping" from community tools, to understand and design a public art intervention. The project involved the co-creation and installation of a mural and posters, featuring spice-themed anthropomorphic designs and bilingual Roman and Thai lettering. Post-implementation observations and community interviews revealed significant positive outcomes: enhanced aesthetic appeal, increased positive tourist engagement, such as taking photos in the alley, and satisfied local community

Harmony of Sound and Vision: An Analysis of the Relationship Between Music and Animation in Studio Ghibli Films

Sethapong Janyarayachon — 2026-04-12

This article explores the interplay between sound and image in animation through a case study of three Studio Ghibli films: My Neighbor Totoro (1988), Spirited Away (2001), and The Boy and the Heron (2023). Although animation is often associated with childhood audiences, Studio Ghibli’s works demonstrate that the medium can convey layered emotional and cultural narratives accessible to viewers of all ages. The article aims to examine the role of music not merely as background, but as a structural and emotional agent that shapes character development, storytelling rhythm, and audience engagement.

The article adopts a qualitative analytical approach, utilizing close reading of key scenes to investigate how music interacts with visual and narrative contexts. Rather than treating music as supplementary, the discussion highlights how compositional choices and sound design participate in narrative construction and emotional resonance. The framework of Multisensory Aesthetics is used to interpret how synchronized audiovisual elements stimulate affective perception beyond the literal storyline. The article also considers the creative partnership between composer Joe Hisaishi and director Hayao Miyazaki, which enables a seamless fusion of sound and image.

The analysis suggests that music in Studio Ghibli films functions as an emotional language, communicating internal character states, supporting narrative transitions, and guiding audience interpretation. Attention is given to how tone color, silence, and rhythmic variation are used symbolically throughout each film. This approach not only enhances the emotional depth of the narrative but also encourages subjective reflection and interpretive openness.

In conclusion, the article argues that Studio Ghibli’s use of music exemplifies animation as an “Art of Feeling”—an aesthetic practice where image and sound are intricately woven to evoke emotion, introspection, and cultural resonance. Drawing on Leo Tolstoy’s notion that art is the transmission of feeling, the article emphasizes how these films move beyond technical mastery to offer meaningful sensory experiences that invite emotional engagement.

Environmental Design Strategies for Residential Spaces Targeting the Generation X Elderly Population

Nichaporn Suchai — 2026-04-12

Advances in medical care combined with declining birth rates have accelerated Thailand’s transition into a fully aged society, underscoring the increasing importance of residential environment design for older adults—particularly future older adults from Generation X, who value holistic quality of life, independence, and social participation. This article aims to synthesize the concepts of Active Ageing and Universal Design to develop design approaches for residential environments that respond to the needs of this emerging ageing group. Through a review of research studies, academic documents, and relevant case studies, the article constructs a conceptual framework for understanding the needs of new-generation older adults and identifying appropriate design strategies. The review reveals that integrating Active Ageing and Universal Design provides a more comprehensive response to the needs of Generation X than approaches focused solely on safety or convenience. This integrated perspective supports meaningful living, maintains personal autonomy, and promotes social engagement through seven key activity domains associated with older adults’ well-being. Meanwhile, case study analyses highlight persistent limitations in real residential environments, such as spatial layouts that do not correspond with daily activities, insufficient flexibility to accommodate age-related physical changes, and design elements that do not support long-term usability. The findings suggest that residential design for Generation X should prioritize spatial flexibility, support for social interaction, and the preservation of personal meaning, alongside the principles of Universal Design. Such an approach can foster environments that genuinely promote Active Ageing and contribute to the development of a high-quality and sustainable ageing society.

Crafting Experiences Across Time: From Ancient Origins to Modern Design

Sangpetch Srinim — 2026-04-12

This study examines the Hanging Gardens of Babylon as one of the ancient architectural wonders that embodies the early foundation of User Experience Design (UX Design) and Human-Centered Design (HCD) within the spiritual dimension of human civilization. The Hanging Gardens illustrate the principles of Design Thinking through empathy and human understanding, leading to innovative architectural and engineering solutions that fulfill both functional and emotional needs. Furthermore, the Gardens integrate Critical Thinking—as seen in their response to environmental and climatic constraints through advanced irrigation systems—and Creative Thinking through the imaginative fusion of nature and built structures, forming a “garden in the air” unprecedented in history. These conceptual foundations have been reinterpreted in modern architecture through the works of world-renowned architects such as Norman Foster and Zaha Hadid. Foster emphasizes sustainable, technology-driven environmental architecture, as seen in The Gherkin and Apple Park, while Hadid focuses on emotional and perceptual experiences through fluid, dynamic forms, as demonstrated in the Heydar Aliyev Center and Guangzhou Opera House. The findings reveal that both ancient and modern designs share a unifying principle: creating a sense of belonging and connection with nature through technology and design suitable for their respective eras. Moreover, these principles extend into the digital realm, as seen in user experience design tools like Adobe XD and Figma, which translate the conceptual essence of the Hanging Gardens into virtual experiential spaces. The study concludes that human-centered design thinking is not a modern invention but a timeless cultural and architectural legacy bridging the past, present, and future.