Research on the Innovative Development of Huaiyang Mud Dog Souvenirs Based on Narrative Design Theory

Background and Aim: At present, the creative transformation and innovative development of intangible cultural heritage have emerged as cutting-edge issues in design research. As a typical representative of China's intangible cultural heritage, the Huaiyang Mud Dog faces dual challenges of cultural regeneration and market promotion. This study aims to construct an innovative design framework for Huaiyang Mud Dog souvenirs that meets market demands and aligns with modern sustainable development requirements, thereby promoting the dual enhancement of its cultural and market value. Materials and Methods: Through literature research, field investigations, and consumer preference surveys, this paper distills the core design elements of the Huaiyang Mud Dog and constructs an innovative design model for its souvenirs based on narrative design theory. Utilizing this model, a range of Huaiyang Mud Dog souvenirs were developed, particularly focusing on character IP and its derivatives. Comprehensive evaluations were conducted, and optimization strategies were proposed based on the evaluation results. Results: The findings indicate that the innovative design approach grounded in narrative design theory effectively balances cultural heritage with modern design, significantly enhancing the user experience and cultural identity associated with the product. Conclusion: The study contributes to the design of Huaiyang Mud Dog souvenirs by providing a scientific narrative design framework, deepening the application of narrative design theory in the field of intangible cultural heritage, offering a viable path for the transformation and practice of Huaiyang Mud Dog in modern design, and serving as an academic reference and innovative paradigm for the design of other intangible cultural heritage souvenirs.