Cultural Symbols at Risk: Misinterpretation and Design Strategies in Packaging

In packaging design, the application of traditional cultural symbols is widespread, yet misreading and misuse of these symbols are increasingly prevalent, leading to cultural distortion and stereotypes. Existing research lacks interdisciplinary integration and fails to fully address the negative impacts of symbol misapplication. This study aims to analyze the limitations of current research, propose an interdisciplinary framework, and develop strategies to balance cultural authenticity with design innovation in symbol application. An in-depth analysis of 14 core studies from the Web of Science database was conducted, examining research methods, objects, theoretical applications, and conclusions. Three key limitations were identified: (1) overreliance on a single research method, (2) excessive focus on symbol application while neglecting the relationship between misreading phenomena and cultural contexts, and (3) lack of cohesive theoretical integration. This study proposes a three-dimensional "application-misreading-optimization" framework, combining semiotics, cultural capital theory, and brand narrative theory. The research contributes by advancing packaging design from a functional carrier to a cultural medium, enriching design semiotics theory, and offering practical strategies to mitigate symbol misreading. This supports traditional culture's innovative transformation and global dissemination in contemporary design.