Translating culture into design practice: a preliminary test of a dual-cultural framework for animation

Introduction How can abstract cultural concepts be translated into animation design practice? This study addresses this question by proposing a dual-cultural framework that integrates a layered conception of culture with a content-oriented 4P taxonomy. Methods Using survey data from 368 animation and related industry professionals recruited through relevant enterprises in mainland China, structural equation modeling (SEM) was applied to examine professionals' perceived relationships between cultural dimensions and five animation design elements. Results The structural model showed satisfactory fit (χ 2 /df = 1.165, RMSEA = 0.021, CFI = 0.983). The results indicated that Deep Culture was significantly associated with Narrative (β = 0.326), and Surface Culture was associated with Visual Expression (β= 0.233) and Interaction/Immersion (β = 0.217). The 4P dimensions also showed significant associations with corresponding design dimensions, including Product with Visual Expression, Place with Spatial Design, People with Character Design, and Performance with Narrative and Interaction/Immersion. Discussion These findings provide preliminary, perception-level evidence for differentiated relationships between culturally framed constructs and animation design dimensions. Finally, an illustrative analysis of I Am What I Am (2021) was used to contextualize how selected relationships may be represented in animation practice.