Saudi History, Heritage, and Traditions: Integration in Modern Graphic Design Output
Abstract
Digital arts offer us simple-to-understand software that has allowed us to experiment, as well as explore further, the depths of the laws of art. This has given graphic designers the power to express our outlooks on life in a much more accessible and understandable way. The following study focuses on how we can integrate traditional heritage patterns found in artworks, houses, and more into a template that will allow graphic design artists to base their outputs on a similar basis in symbols and patterns. As the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia possesses a rich cultural heritage characterized by elements that reflect its historical, social, and religious traditions, it’s important that we continue to express our heritage in the future. Creating this template can help modern graphic design students better understand and integrate these traditional heritage symbols and patterns into their practice, along with ensuring that our old ways remain archived with us as we reach for the future. This study evaluates the availability of resources and identifies gaps in educational or cultural support that can enhance students’ design outputs. This quantitative research was carried out through an online survey of 42 graphic design students at the University of Taif to assess their familiarity with Saudi cultural symbols. This was followed by an evaluation of student design projects by a panel of 15 Saudi graphic expert judges. Based on the findings, graphic design students need to gain access to these cultural riches to understand further the deeper meaning behind the symbols of the kingdom’s heritage. In addition, students need to gain insight into the historical, social, and religious significance of the symbols they are working with.
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