Innovative Design Research on Zigong Lanterns based on Generative AI

With the rapid development of artificial intelligence, particularly AI-Generated Content (AIGC) technologies, the digital innovation of intangible cultural heritage has entered a new stage of opportunity. Zigong lantern art, as a representative form of traditional Chinese lantern craftsmanship, now faces an urgent need for transformation in terms of design methods, dissemination channels, and modes of artistic expression. This study takes AIGC as a starting point to explore its application pathways and innovative potential in the design of Zigong lanterns. The paper first reviews the traditional craftsmanship and cultural characteristics of Zigong lanterns, and, in conjunction with current developments in AIGC and image generation mechanisms, proposes a collaborative design model of "AI generation - human selection - craft transformation." In the design practice, the theme “Camel Shadows Along the Silk Road” is used to generate visual design concepts via Midjourney and Stable Diffusion, and the transition from AI-generated images to physical lantern installations is tested. Findings indicate that AIGC can effectively enhance design efficiency and the quality of creative output, offering significant advantages in visual ideation, form expression, and thematic exploration. However, challenges such as cultural misrepresentation and distorted image details persist. The paper concludes by offering strategic recommendations for the application of AIGC in lantern art, aiming to provide a reference for the integrated development of traditional crafts and intelligent design.