AI-Supported Digital Restoration and Generative Design of Fengxiang Woodblock New Year Prints

Authors

  • Jie Yu Philosophy in Design, City University Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia Author
  • Ahmadrashidi Bin Hasan Philosophy in Design, City University Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.71222/x4jpgj92

Keywords:

artificial intelligence, intangible cultural heritage, digital restoration, Fengxiang woodblock new year prints, human-in-the-loop design

Abstract

This paper investigates how artificial intelligence (AI) can be integrated into the digital restoration and innovative transformation of intangible cultural heritage (ICH), using Fengxiang woodblock New Year prints as a representative case. Rather than framing AI as an autonomous creative agent, the study positions AI as a supportive component within a human-centred, constraint-based design workflow. Adopting a qualitative and practice-based research approach, the paper examines how AI-assisted image restoration, constrained generative exploration, and designer-led evaluation interact during the design process. The findings indicate that AI can contribute to the interpretation and preservation of traditional generative logic while supporting culturally grounded adaptation in contemporary cultural and creative products. The study further argues that maintaining human judgement and cultural constraints is essential for preventing stylistic drift and ensuring responsible AI use in heritage-sensitive design contexts.

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Published

26 March 2026

How to Cite

Yu, J., & Hasan, A. B. (2026). AI-Supported Digital Restoration and Generative Design of Fengxiang Woodblock New Year Prints. Business and Social Sciences Proceedings , 5, 52-59. https://doi.org/10.71222/x4jpgj92