Exploring sustainable use intention of AIGC image enhancement technologies among designers

This study investigates designers’ sustainable use intention toward AIGC-assisted image enhancement technologies in low-light mural design. An extended Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) framework was developed to examine how image-related performance perceptions, facilitating conditions, and effort-related factors influence designer experience and sustainable use intention. Survey data from 557 designers were analyzed using a two-stage Structural Equation Modeling–Artificial Neural Network (SEM–ANN) approach. The SEM results indicate that facilitating conditions exert the strongest direct influence on sustainable use intention, while performance expectancy substantially influences designer experience. Resource and organizational support significantly contribute to facilitating conditions, whereas technological accessibility shows no significant effect. Designer experience and sustainable use intention are also positively associated with social influence. These findings highlight the importance of organizational and resource support alongside perceived technological performance, extending the application of UTAUT to AIGC-assisted creative design and providing practical guidance for image enhancement tool adoption.