This research investigates the potential of low-impact digital twins and visual storytelling to enhance learning, engagement, and sustainability in cultural heritage contexts. While photogrammetry and 3D modelling are increasingly used for documentation and visualization, their role as educational and interpretative tools remains underexplored, particularly in relation to inclusive and sustainable access to heritage.

Digital twins expand access to heritage by making collections remotely available and more widely accessible. From an experiential perspective, they foster more interactive and engaging forms of learning, allowing users to explore objects in detail, access layered interpretative content, and experience artifacts within reconstructed or immersive contexts.

The study addresses the following research questions: How can digital twins support meaningful learning experiences in museums and archaeological sites? To what extent do immersive and interactive features influence user engagement across different audiences How can such technologies contribute to sustainable heritage access by reducing physical pressure on cultural sites?

The research adopts a Design-Based Research (DBR) approach[l1] , involving the iterative development, implementation, and refinement of digital prototypes, including web-based 3D models, augmented reality overlays, and micro-immersive experiences. A pilot phase of prototype implementation has been conducted in collaboration with the Museum of Sant’Agostino in Genoa, where initial design solutions have been tested in a real-world cultural environment[l2] . Using photogrammetry, several 3D models of museum artifacts have been created, alongside a reconstructed virtual environment designed for VR exploration.The approach is transferable to other museum contexts, promoting low-impact digital heritage solutions and offering guidelines for scalable digital experiences.

The research combines qualitative and quantitative methods, including user observation, questionnaires, and learning assessment tools, aimed at evaluating user experience, accessibility, and educational impact. Particular attention is given to inclusive design principles and the integration of digital content within physical exhibition spaces, aiming to define a new way of experiencing cultural heritage, focusing to the user’s well-being.

Given the current stage of development and testing of the prototype, no empirical data are available at this stage. Expected outcomes include the production of empirical evidence on the impact of digital twins[l3] on learning and user engagement, supporting a learning model based on interaction with museum objects (Object-Based Learning) and contributing to the broader discussion on sustainable and inclusive digital transformation in cultural heritage.