A Four-Stage AIGC-Assisted Design Framework for Intangible Cultural Heritage Products: A Case Study of Chinese Printing, Dyeing, and Engraving Crafts

Abstract

Intangible cultural heritage (ICH) carries rich historical memories, regional cultural characteristics, and accumulated craftsmanship knowledge. However, current ICH digitalization practices mainly focus on preservation and dissemination, while the transformation of digital cultural resources into contemporary design applications remains insufficiently explored. This research gap limits the potential of ICH resources to achieve coordinated development between cultural value and design innovation.This study investigates AIGC-driven digital design for ICH-based cultural and creative products by integrating cultural semiotics theory with an AIGC-assisted design methodology. A four-stage design framework consisting of “resource digitalization–cultural interpretation–intelligent generation–application transformation” is developed to analyze how generative artificial intelligence participates in ICH design processes. Three categories of ICH practices, including printing-related, dyeing-related, and engraving-related traditions (collectively referred to as the “Three Printing Categories”), are selected as case studies to explore the applications of AIGC in traditional pattern extraction, visual innovation, and product design generation. The findings indicate that AIGC demonstrates strong capabilities in generating visually innovative design solutions and expanding creative possibilities. However, limitations remain in its ability to accurately interpret the deeper cultural meanings, historical contexts, and symbolic values embedded within intangible cultural heritage. The study concludes that AIGC should function as a design-supporting technology rather than a replacement for human creativity.