Application of dunhuang decorative tile elements in children's furniture based on symbolic duality and D4S Theory

• Integrates Dunhuang decorative tile elements into children's furniture via Symbolic Duality and D4S Theory. • Employs D4S principles to enhance sustainability in materials, production, and product lifecycle. • Digitally transforms traditional motifs into innovative furniture design prototypes. • Design strategy for embedding traditional culture in sustainable children's furniture. This study investigates the integration of Dunhuang decorative tile elements into children's furniture design by combining Symbolic Duality theory with Design for Sustainability (D4S) principles. Utilizing semiotic analysis, it systematically examines four traditional Dunhuang motifs—A2 (Eight-Petaled Lotus with Cloud-Head Motif), A7 (Linked Gem with Twining Grass Pattern), A9 (Peach-Heart Twelve-Petaled Lotus Pattern), and A10 (Ruyi Pattern)—and extracts their core visual and cultural components. These traditional symbols are digitally transformed and reinterpreted to align with contemporary design aesthetics. Within the D4S framework, the study further explores sustainable design strategies by addressing material selection, functional experience, manufacturing processes, and product lifecycle management. A multidimensional evaluation, incorporating insights from parents, cultural experts, and design professionals, affirms the effectiveness of the proposed designs. This research presents a feasible pathway for integrating traditional cultural elements into modern, sustainable children's furniture—promoting cultural heritage and enhancing overall product value.