Inheriting and Innovating: A Review of Creative Product Design Research Based on Intangible Cultural Heritage

This review explores the expanding field of creative product design based on intangible cultural heritage (ICH), with a focus on the interaction between cultural heritage and design innovation. As societies aim to preserve traditional cultural expressions while adapting them to modern contexts, design has emerged as a crucial medium for both revitalizing and adapting heritage. This paper systematically reviews existing research in recent years, focusing on the theoretical perspectives, methodological approaches and practical strategies for integrating intangible cultural heritage into creative product design. The overview is organized around three key themes: (1) the concept of intangible cultural heritage and cultural and creative products; (2) the relationship between intangible cultural heritage and the creation of cultural and creative products; and (3) design thinking and innovation in the development of heritage products. Special attention is given to the tension between the preservation of intangible cultural heritage and the demands of the modern market, and how design based on intangible cultural heritage can contribute to cultural sustainability and identity reconstruction. By analyzing current gaps, identifying trends and future research directions, this review aims to provide a comprehensive foundation for scholars, designers and policy makers interested in using design as a tool for intangible cultural heritage transmission and innovation. It advocates for a more interdisciplinary, culturally sensitive, and ethical approach to the development of creative heritage products.