Integrating Eco-Innovation with AI: Reimagining Non-Heritage Cultural Product Design through Sustainable Technological Interventions.

Abstract

This study investigates how Artificial Intelligence (AI) and eco-innovation could revolutionize non-heritage cultural product design, primarily through modern furniture and related industries. It aims to address the growing demand for durable and culturally adaptive products in contexts where historical preservation rules are not applicable, allowing for greater openness to innovation. The mixed-methods study draws on qualitative data (interviews with designers, AI engineers, and sustainability practitioners) and quantitative sustainability data (material efficiency, waste minimization, lifecycle length). The findings underscore the pivotal role of AI in eco-innovation processes, leveraging advanced solutions such as lifecycle management systems, predictive analytics, and adaptive design paradigms. These technologies also reduce waste materials by up to 30% in some sectors, optimize energy use, and boost the lifecycles of products by 25% (see example cases). Apart from being environmentally friendly, AI also raises the cultural value of non-heritage goods by considering society and regional tastes, which enables designers to develop flexible goods that reflect today’s consumer values and are environmentally sustainable. This fusion of environmental and cultural flexibility makes non-heritage products key players in a sustainable future. The paper’s outputs include the creation of a conceptual framework for AI and eco-innovation integration that gives designers pragmatic tips on using AI tools in the context of sustainable product design. It also defines methods for industry stakeholders to leverage AI across the production workflow and recommendations for policy measures to foster adopting a sustainable AI system with incentives and standardized standards. Drawing a parallel between theoretical thinking and application, this work underlines AI’s potential to transform cultural product sectors, paving the way for more widespread sustainable development in non-heritage design sectors.