Designing Digital Experiences for Gastronomy Tourism: A Development Framework for the Hua Takhe Community Platform

Abstract

In the rapidly evolving digital economy era, Information and Communication Technology (ICT) has transcended its role as a mere utility to become a fundamental driver reshaping tourist behavior and industry landscapes. This transformation is particularly evident among Generations Y and Z, demographic cohorts that prioritize seamless digital connectivity and rely heavily on mobile platforms for every stage of their travel journey, from inspiration to post-trip sharing. This academic paper addresses the critical digital disparity currently hindering the Hua Takhe Community, a distinguished cultural heritage site in Bangkok. Despite possessing high potential for gastronomy tourism through its unique culinary identity and historical canal-side atmosphere, the community suffers from limited digital visibility and low engagement levels. Existing communication channels are fragmented, lacking effective Information Architecture (IA) and User-Centered Design (UCD), which results in a profound Gulf of Evaluation. Consequently, the intrinsic cultural value of the destination is not effectively communicated to, or perceived by, potential high-value visitors. This article proposes a comprehensive conceptual framework for developing a digital platform specifically tailored for gastronomy tourism. By strictly integrating Donald Norman’s Design Psychology principles with the iterative Design Thinking process and the Input-Process-Output (IPO) model, this paper outlines a strategic pathway to transform the platform from a static informational tool into a dynamic experiential bridge. The framework emphasizes the creation of Digital Appetizing Appeal, intuitive interaction design, and immersive storytelling to enhance the User Experience (UX). The ultimate objective is to strengthen the local grassroots economy, ensure the preservation of intangible culinary culture, and establish a sustainable model for community-based tourism in the digital age.