HUANG Haihong

(Jingdezhen Ceramic University, Jingdezhen 333403, Jiangxi, China)

Extended abstract:

[Background and purposes] In the contemporary society intertwined with globalization and modernization, the protection, inheritance and innovation of traditional culture have become topics of significant contemporary importance. With increasing frequency of international cultural exchanges and the rapid iteration of science and technology, how to achieve the modern transformation of traditional elements, while maintaining cultural uniqueness, has become the core challenge faced by the designers. By taking the traditional patterns of Jingdezhen ceramics as the specific object, this study was aimed to systematically explore their innovative integration pathways and practical application values in modern design. As an important carrier of Chinese traditional culture, the pattern system of Jingdezhen ceramics contains rich historical information and artistic value, making it an ideal sample for studying the modern transformation of traditional elements. It is attempted to deeply analyze the formal characteristics and cultural connotations of traditional patterns of Jingdezhen ceramics, construct a design theory framework combining tradition and modernity, explore the innovative application models of traditional cultural elements in the contemporary design context and provide theoretical support and practical references for the modern transformation of traditional crafts.

[Methods] A multidisciplinary approach was employed to construct a complete system for theoretical research and practical verification. Firstly, through literature review and field surveys, the development status and challenges of Jingdezhen ceramic cultural and creative products were systematically sorted out, while the formal characteristics and cultural connotations of traditional patterns were deeply analyzed. Secondly, by using semiotic analysis and cultural gene decoding methods, the patterns of Jingdezhen ceramics were systematically analyzed and reconstructed, thus establishing a theoretical framework for pattern transformation. Based on this, the Kano model was introduced for user requirement analysis. Through the design of two-way questionnaires and field interviews, user demand data for Jingdezhen ceramic cultural and creative products were collected. Using frequency statistics and Better-Worse coefficient analysis methods, 13 cultural attributes were accurately classified and prioritized. Finally, through design practice to verify the research methods, taking the "Qingyun Yaji-Incense Utensil Series" as a specific case, the full process practice from pattern extraction, design transformation to product development was implemented, verifying the feasibility and effectiveness of the theoretical results.

[Results] Four important discoveries were made in this study. Firstly, the development status of Jingdezhen ceramic cultural and creative products were systematically diagnosed, revealing the main problems faced in skill inheritance, innovative development and market competition, including excessive reproduction of traditional styles, slow updating of design vocabulary and fragmented market systems as constraining factors. Secondly, a complete theoretical system for the modern transformation of traditional patterns was constructed, proposing a tripartite transformation framework of "formal structure- symbolic semantics-contemporary translation," establishing a systematic transformation path for traditional patterns from form to connotation. Thirdly, through Kano model analysis, important user demand data were obtained. Among the 13 cultural attributes, 3 charm demands, 4 expected demands, 2 must-have demands and 4 indifferent demands were identified, providing a scientific basis for design decision-making. Fourthly, the effectiveness of the theoretical framework was verified by the design practice. In the "Qingyun Yaji-Incense Utensil Series", an organic integration of traditional patterns and modern design was successfully achieved, demonstrating the innovative potential of traditional crafts in the modern context. Specifically, in the pattern transformation aspect, through parametric design and digital manufacturing technology, traditional patterns, such as the entwined lotus and cloud patterns, were modernly translated. In the process of technological innovation, the cross-material combination of ceramics with metals and wood was explored, establishing a new model of "digital craftsmanship." In terms of market value, through the systematic construction of cultural IPs, the effective transformation of traditional ceramic culture into modern market value was realized.

[Conclusions] It is demonstrated that the modern transformation of traditional patterns is a systematic project that requires coordinated innovation at the levels of form, connotation and spirit. At the formal level, it is necessary to creatively transform traditional patterns through modern design methods, maintaining cultural recognizability while meeting contemporary aesthetic demands. At the connotative level, the cultural semantics of patterns should be deeply explored to achieve contemporary interpretations of traditional values. At the spiritual level, the essence of traditional craftsmanship philosophy should be inherited and transformed into a methodology for guiding contemporary creation. The Kano model-based user demand analysis method proposed in this study provides scientific decision-making support for the positioning of traditional elements in modern design. With design practice, it has been proven that the deep integration of digital technology and traditional craftsmanship can effectively promote the modern transformation of traditional patterns, achieving the unity of cultural and market values. This research not only provides specific methodological guidance for the cultural and creative design of Jingdezhen ceramics, but also offers a reference framework for the contemporary transformation of traditional crafts. Future research should be focused on further deepening the application of digital technology in the innovation of traditional crafts, expanding the application space of traditional patterns in a wider range of product fields, strengthening the international dissemination of traditional cultural IPs and promoting the creative transformation and innovative development of traditional Chinese craft culture in contemporary society.

Key words: cultural translation; Jingdezhen ceramic cultural and creative products; design innovation; KANO model