Digital Deconstruction and Inheritance of Intangible Cultural Heritage Costumes: An Innovative Workflow Integrating Generative AI and Physical Simulation
Jul 2026· Journal on Computing and Cultural Heritage· 0 citations· 28 references
TL;DR
It is demonstrated that the workflow can support cross-media dissemination and innovative application of ICH craftsmanship through digital twin systems, providing a reference solution with both theoretical and practical value for the intelligent upgrading of the apparel industry and cultural heritage preservation.
Abstract
In the context of the digital economy era, the digital preservation and innovation of traditional apparel crafts face dual challenges in cultural dissemination and technological integration. This study proposed and validates an integrated digital workflow that incorporates generative AI and physical simulation integrating artificial intelligence and high-fidelity physical simulation to facilitate the contemporary transformation of traditional apparel culture. A technical framework of “intelligent pattern generation — parametric structural modeling — dynamic physical simulation — virtual-real integration” was constructed, with the costumes of the nationally recognized intangible cultural heritage, Nuo Opera, serving as an empirical case. By building a dedicated dataset and employing lightweight fine-tuning techniques, intelligent derivation and stylized control of Nuo mask patterns were achieved, alongside three-dimensional simulation of the structural characteristics and dynamic aesthetics of traditional costumes. Experimental results indicate that the patterns generated by this method exhibit significantly higher visual complexity compared to conventional design approaches, while the design process is effectively streamlined. The physical simulation demonstrated commendable performance in both garment form stability and color fidelity of cultural elements. This study demonstrated that the workflow can support cross-media dissemination and innovative application of ICH craftsmanship through digital twin systems, providing a reference solution with both theoretical and practical value for the intelligent upgrading of the apparel industry and cultural heritage preservation.
Traditional patterns in intangible cultural heritage represent the aesthetic core of textile craftsmanship and serve as visual symbols that embed cultural memory into material form. In engineering-oriented digital heritage applications, their ordered motifs and material textures may also provide structured design references for textile electromagnetic surfaces, antennaintegrated display carriers, and electromagnetic-wave sensing interfaces where cultural meaning and functional patterning must coexist. Taking traditional patterns as the research object, this paper constructs a three-level symbolic deconstruction model of surface form, middle-level implication, and deep-seated culture by applying semiotics, design aesthetics, and cultural communication theory. Through literature research, case analysis, empirical design, and expert evaluation, it systematically explores the symbolic characteristics and deconstruction logic of traditional patterns. On this basis, a four-stage translation method of form extraction, implication reconstruction, function adaptation, and context integration is proposed, with a logic-coupling mechanism between deconstruction and translation. The feasibility of the method is verified through design practices involving interlocking swallowtail patterns, interlocking lotus patterns, and Miao embroidery series patterns. By connecting heritage aesthetics, textile material expression, and contemporary functional design, this study provides theoretical support for the modern translation of intangible cultural heritage elements and a practical reference for culturally informed electromagnetic-wave interactive design.
While Artificial Intelligence Generated Content (AIGC) provides new pathways for the digital innovation of intangible cultural heritage (ICH), current applications often lack a critical methodological framework and view users as passive consumers. To address this gap, this study centers on a key research question: compared with the traditional model where users only passively receive or give feedback on ICH cultural and creative products, how can the human-AI co-creation model empower ordinary users without professional design skills to take the initiative in creating and reinterpreting ICH? The paper focuses on the Yunnan Tile-Cat (Wamao), a unique regional architectural ornament and an endangered intangible cultural heritage, and builds a simple working demo to show how the idea works. Through a formative evaluation, the study examines a dual collaborative workflow. The AI + designer phase speeds up cultural data integration and visual conceptualization. Subsequently, the AI + user mechanism enables public participation through real-time 2D to 3D modeling and AR interaction. This collaborative approach productively reduces creative barriers and improves cultural identity. The findings add to design knowledge by showing that, while AI democratizes creative participation, human designers must actively intervene to overcome AI's semiotic limitations in culturally sensitive settings.
Intangible cultural heritage techniques face challenges in modern cultural and creative product design, including difficulties in translating craft language into mass producible solutions, high user cognitive barriers, insufficient supply chain stability, and unclear copyright ownership. As digital preservation and intelligent information management increasingly rely on advanced visualization, electromagnetic identification, and wireless interaction technologies, establishing computable and standardized representations of traditional crafts has become an important research direction. This paper proposes an innovative transformation pathway centered on the main line of “computability of craft elements– visualization of design semantics–controllability of the production chain.” Field investigations and expert interviews are first conducted to establish a craft database, from which key parameters such as patterns, structural organization, colors, materials, and processing techniques are systematically extracted. Quality Function Deployment (QFD) is then employed to translate user requirements into weighted design indicators. Based on these indicators, morphological syntax and parameterization rules are constructed to generate multiple design alternatives and verify their manufacturability. Subsequently, small batch trial production is integrated with Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and cost accounting to optimize materials and processes. Finally, user testing and A/B comparisons are performed to iteratively refine the design while establishing standardized identification and authorization procedures. Experimental results demonstrate that three product lines and twelve prototypes are successfully developed, achieving a prototype pass rate of 83.3%, a 28.4% reduction in average working time per piece, a 19.6% reduction in unit cost, an increase in user satisfaction from 3.62/5 to 4.41/5, and a 31.5% improvement in repurchase intention. In addition, copyright registration and authorization templates for eight pattern elements are completed, providing a practical framework for digital cultural heritage management and intelligent information interoperability.
Faberge jewelry, recognized as symbols of exceptional craftsmanship, luxury and cultural significance, is currently undergoing a transformation process in the context of the rapid development of digital technologies of the 21st century. The focus of this work is to explore how modern tools such as neural networks and virtual reality affect the perception, interpretation, and preservation of Faberge’s cultural heritage. Special emphasis is placed on considering generative neural networks, NFT collections, and 3D printing as new ways to interact with traditional forms of art and culture. The visual images created as part of the “Your Family Faberge” project are inspired by historical works and adapted to the user’s personal or family context. This phenomenon demonstrates how artificial intelligence can act not only as a visualization tool, but also as an interpreter of cultural codes. The paper examines changes in museum practices, as well as new forms of ownership and collecting, including NFT objects. Special attention is paid to philosophical and aesthetic issues.: how do digital media influence the perception of traditional art, is it possible to preserve authenticity in a digital environment, and how is cultural memory being reinterpreted. Thus, the study offers a comprehensive look at the intersection of digital technologies and cultural heritage.
A. Ostanina· Proceedings of the 5th Inter...· 0 citations
The study concludes that AIGC should function as a design-supporting technology rather than a replacement for human creativity in order to achieve coordinated development between cultural value and design innovation.
This study discusses the preservation and transformation of traditional Malay craft heritage through a hybrid approach that integrates traditional craftsmanship practices with digital manufacturing technologies. Grounded in the national Corak Malaysia project, this research develops a Computer-Aided Design (CAD) Innovation Framework to translate the aesthetic values and visual symbolism of the Mutiara Pipit Motif (inspired by the turkey berry flower) and the Motif Lapan (Figure-of-Eight Motif) into contemporary Malay bracelet designs. The research is structured around the Design Science Research (DSR) methodology to address issues of digital authenticity and the loss of narrative value in mass production. Visual analysis was conducted using Charles Sanders Peirce’s Semiotic Theory, examining the relationship between the representamen, object, and interpretant of the physical artifacts fabricated from 925 sterling silver, cubic zirconia stones, and rhodium plating. An expert review was undertaken with the participation of three industry experts representing jewellery design, creative heritage, and the creative industries. The evaluation focused on aesthetic quality, cultural telesis, ergonomic performance, and commercial marketability. The evaluation results indicate high mean scores across all criteria, proving that the integration of the DSR-Semiotic framework not only successfully produces premium, ergonomic, and highly competitive ethnic jewellery but also contributes a replicable methodological blueprint for the preservation of other intangible cultural heritage crafts. The study implications suggest that digital hybridization can positively influence younger generations’ perceptions of heritage crafts, positioning them as relevant and inclusive contemporary jewellery products.
N. S. M. Anuar, M. Z. Daud, Muhammad Ammar Mohd Zamani· International journal of res...· 0 citations