Visual Analysis of the Design Thinking Process of Yixing Zisha Teapots

Yixing Zisha teapots are an integral part of China's intangible cultural heritage, with their design traditions primarily relying on oral teaching and practice rather than systematic theoretical research. To address this research gap, this study engaged 10 expert practitioners in a design workshop, where numerous design sketches were produced. Using visual analysis, these sketches were thoroughly visually analyzed to explore the design processes and thinking patterns of Yixing Zisha teapot creation. The results reveal that the design process involves six distinct aspects: design form, design methods, design themes, design proportion, Classical Chinese philosophy, and decorative design. By systematically analyzing these aspects, this study preliminarily constructs a model of the design thinking process for Yixing Zisha teapots. This finding provides valuable perspectives and theoretical support for standardizing and systematizing the design processes of Yixing Zisha teapots, aiding in the education of new designers, and preserving the vitality of this traditional craft. These achievements not only open new research directions for the future development of Yixing Zisha teapot design but also offer insights and inspiration for the design research of other traditional crafts.