Culture Meets Design: Visualizing the Evolution of Taige Studies Through a Design Lens

Abstract Based on knowledge visualization tools such as CiteSpace and VOSviewer, this study conducts a systematic review and visual analysis of literature on the Chinese intangible cultural heritage (ICH) tradition known as Taige, covering the period from 2000 to 2024. Using multiple dimensions, including keyword co-occurrence, burst detection, clustering structure, and temporal evolution, the paper reveals the spatial-temporal distribution, research hotspots, and emerging trends in the field. The findings suggest that Taige, a significant form of China’s ICH, has shifted from early emphases on performance documentation and folkloric description toward interdisciplinary explorations that integrate heritage preservation, digital transformation, design empowerment, and cultural communication. Keyword clustering and burst analysis highlight a growing convergence of multidisciplinary approaches, the integration of theory and practice, and a deep coupling of “Culture + Design.” Looking ahead, the protection and dissemination of Taige should prioritize the application of visual design, digital interaction, and immersive technologies to promote its creative transformation and design-oriented transmission. This study provides both theoretical insight and data visualization for the design-centered ICH research, offering a referential framework for future inquiry.