Regenerating sustainably Yixing Zisha teapot design concept integrated with AIGC technology

This study investigates the integration of Artificial Intelligence Generated Content (AIGC) technology into the design of Yixing Zisha pottery, a traditional Chinese craft renowned for its cultural heritage and artistic value. While Yixing Zisha pottery embodies a balance of aesthetic creativity and functionality, it faces the challenge of adapting to contemporary expectations of digital innovation without losing its traditional essence. This research examines how AIGC can contribute to design efficiency, creative diversity, and cultural sustainability. A mixed-method approach was adopted to address three main objectives. First, a questionnaire survey was conducted to explore practitioners’ acceptance of AIGC and to identify their key design concerns. Second, based on emotional design theory, an evaluation framework was developed and refined through the Delphi method and Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP). Sixty AIGC-generated teapot designs were then assessed using the Fuzzy Comprehensive Evaluation (FCE) method to reveal both strengths and weaknesses of AIGC-assisted design. Finally, observational studies with seven experienced designers and a focus-group discussion with experts further validated the evaluation system and provided insights into the collaborative role of AIGC in Zisha design. The findings indicate that practitioners demonstrate high acceptance of AIGC, valuing its capacity to enhance creativity, accelerate design processes, and stimulate innovation, while experts emphasize the need for cultural preservation and careful adaptation. This research establishes a systematic framework for evaluating AIGC in traditional crafts, contributes to the theoretical development of emotional design in digital heritage contexts, and offers practical guidance for the sustainable transformation of Yixing Zisha pottery. The study highlights AIGC’s potential as a constructive partner in bridging traditional craftsmanship and modern design innovation.