Co-Ideation with Generative Artificial Intelligence (GAI) to Develop Fashion Textiles

This study investigates collaborative ideation between a designer and generative artificial intelligence (AI) in the development of textile designs inspired by Gaya culture, an underexplored yet culturally significant aspect of Korean heritage. Employing a text-to-image AI platform, the research focuses on the creation of wedding dress designs incorporating motifs derived from Gaya artefacts, notably the gold crown. The study comprises three phases: a literature review of Gaya culture, co-creative design development using AI, and an analysis of the process and outcomes. From 18 generated designs, four were selected based on aesthetic coherence, cultural fidelity, and production feasibility. The findings highlight the potential of AI to enhance ideation efficiency, reduce resource consumption, and stimulate creativity, particularly when historical information is limited. Nonetheless, limitations regarding cultural intricacies, domain specificity, and the AI’s interpretative capacity are acknowledged. This research contributes to current discourse on sustainable design, digital literacy, and the pedagogical use of AI, offering insight into the integration of traditional motifs within contemporary fashion. Further development of AI tools tailored to fashion design and empirical validation involving designers or users are recommended.