Envisioning AI-Powered Future of African Print Designs - A Systematic Review of Opportunities and Challenges

Purpose: The study aims to explore the integration of artificial intelligence in African print designs and its potential for innovation in the design thinking process while preserving culture. Methodology/Design: A systematic review based on the PRISMA guidelines was used to select a total of 21 articles from the Scopus and Google Scholar databases after thoroughly screening articles on the present integration of AI in African textile design prints. Findings: Although artificial intelligence (AI) has so far benefited textile industries worldwide by increasing productivity and decreasing errors, its use in African textile print designs is still relatively unexplored. Notable areas of artificial intelligence (AI) technology improvement related to designs include automated design systems, predictive textile design analytics, and pattern recognition. Although the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in African textile print designs is presently limited, concerns over cultural preservation are identified as a major barrier to seamless AI applications in African print designs. Practical and Social Implications: The study highlights the need for an all-inclusive approach that uses AI innovations while maintaining the cultural significance of African prints. It provides guidelines for future research to address the ethical implications and practical challenges of this integration. Originality: The study provides the first systematic review of how AI is influencing future narratives and the potential development of African print designs. The study will assist textile printing companies in understanding the opportunities and challenges presented by artificial intelligence (AI) in determining the future of African print designs, as well as the combined impact on creative innovation, sustainable commercial development, and cultural preservation.