In this work, the wear resistance, durability, and aesthetic impact of ceramic surface patterns were investigated by graphic design elements. Various ceramic samples were subjected to abrasion, friction, fading, chipping, and scratching tests to assess the performance of different surface patterns, including horizontal lines, geometric shapes, floral motifs, abstract patterns, and texture-based designs. The experimental results demonstrate that intricate floral motifs exhibit the highest resistance to UV fading (450 hours), while geometric shapes provide superior scratch resistance (Mohs scale 8.0). In contrast, mixed texture designs (matte and gloss) show enhanced durability under scratching but are more prone to chipping. Horizontal lines exhibit excellent overall wear resistance, withstanding 3000 abrasion cycles and maintaining moderate scratch resistance. These findings highlight the critical interplay between pattern design and material performance, revealing that graphic design elements not only enhance the aesthetic appeal of ceramic surfaces but also significantly influence their functional durability. The research underscores the potential of leveraging design principles to create ceramic products that are both visually compelling and durable, with broad applications in tableware, tiles, and decorative objects.

Keywords: Graphic design elements, UV fading, Texture designs.

Design is a fundamental aspect of human expression, involving the thoughtful arrangement of elements and principles to communicate ideas, create functionality, and evoke emotions. Graphic design, which organizes elements such as line, shape, color, texture, and space, plays a pivotal role in crafting motifs, symbols, and visual narratives across various mediums [1]. In the realm of ceramics, surface pattern design offers a unique opportunity to integrate these graphic elements into tangible, three-dimensional forms, resulting in functional art that enhances both aesthetic appeal and usability. The intersection of ceramic surface design and graphic design is an evolving field that bridges traditional craftsmanship with modern design concepts. Historically, design has been a global phenomenon, with both Western and non-Western cultures contributing to its development through the creative use of natural and industrial materials [2]. While early design efforts were largely handcrafted to meet immediate needs, advancements during the industrial revolution and the rise of digital technology have expanded the possibilities for design across disciplines, including ceramics [3].
Ceramic surface pattern design, when informed by graphic design elements, offers a dynamic approach to visual storytelling and the enhancement of everyday objects. This synthesis allows for the creation of visually compelling and meaningful patterns that serve not only decorative purposes but also reflect cultural, personal, and artistic values [4]. The incorporation of graphic design elements such as balance, rhythm, and proportion into ceramic surfaces ensures that the final product is both visually harmonious and functionally sound, aligning with the broader context of design's impact on daily life. Textiles involve the creation of cloth, starting from raw fibers and progressing to the final fabric through techniques such as weaving, braiding, felting, embroidery, or appliqué [5]. Textile design, however, focuses on the structured arrangement and rhythmic repetition of motifs using design principles. This design process can occur at any stage from fiber to fabric and is used to creatively embellish textiles for clothing, home decor, and furnishings [6]. Methods of decoration include dyeing, printing, painting, embroidery, and stitching. Originally serving as basic body coverings, textiles evolved into a symbol of identity, status, and fashion, later influencing other art forms and crafts.
Ceramics and textiles both originate from natural sources, but their raw materials differ: ceramics are made from clay, while textiles use fibers, which can be natural, synthetic, or a combination of both. Despite these material differences, both fields converge in the realm of design [7]. While some design transfer techniques, such as pattern application, may be similar, the materials dictate the methods used. For instance, dyes or colors suitable for textiles may not work for ceramics, and vice versa, reflecting both the similarities and divergences in their design processes [8].
In the modern context, the role of design extends beyond mere ornamentation. It integrates form, function, and user experience, making it an essential part of industries ranging from fashion to industrial design. Ceramic design, with its tactile quality and the ability to fuse aesthetic beauty with practicality, exemplifies this trend, offering products that are both artistic and utilitarian. By leveraging graphic design principles, ceramic surface patterns can be elevated to a new level of sophistication, contributing to the ever-expanding market for uniquely designed objects that resonate with consumers on both an emotional and functional level.

The Abrasion/Friction Wear Resistance Tests conducted on ceramic surfaces with varying graphic design elements provide valuable insights into the durability and functional viability of different surface patterns (Fig. 1). In ceramic design, the integration of graphic elements such as lines, shapes, and textures is not merely for aesthetic purposes but also impacts the material’s performance, particularly in terms of resistance to wear, scratching, and rubbing.
The data reveals that floral motifs exhibit the highest abrasion resistance, withstanding 3200 cycles before visible wear. This suggests that intricate and dispersed designs like floral patterns may distribute stress more evenly across the surface, thus enhancing the material’s ability to resist wear over time. In contrast, the texture-based (raised) pattern, while visually striking, had the lowest abrasion resistance at 2700 cycles. This may be due to the increased surface area exposed to friction, leading to faster wear.
In terms of scratch resistance, geometric shapes performed best with a rating of 7 on the Mohs hardness scale, indicating a superior ability to resist surface damage from harder materials. This could be attributed to the symmetry and compactness of geometric designs, which might provide greater cohesion in the material matrix. On the other hand, floral motifs showed the lowest scratch resistance, with a rating of 5, suggesting that while they are resistant to abrasion, they are more susceptible to scratching from hard objects.
The rubbing test results, which assess surface wear after 200 strokes, show that geometric shapes again performed the best with a score of 8.5. This indicates that surfaces with repetitive, structured patterns may better withstand everyday handling and contact, maintaining their visual appeal over time. Texture-based patterns, however, had the lowest rubbing durability (7.5), likely due to the raised elements of the design that may wear down more easily with frequent contact. These results underscore the importance of aligning surface pattern design with functional requirements, particularly for ceramics used in high-contact applications such as tableware or decorative objects. Designs like floral motifs may offer enhanced resistance to long-term wear, making them ideal for surfaces exposed to less frequent, but intense, friction. Conversely, geometric shapes excel in both scratch and rubbing durability, making them suitable for objects subjected to regular handling [9, 10].
In the broader context of integrating graphic design principles into ceramic surface patterns, the relationship between form and function becomes clear. By selecting specific patterns based on their resistance to wear, designers can create ceramic products that not only fulfill aesthetic and cultural roles but also meet the practical demands of everyday use. This combination of durability and visual appeal is crucial in expanding the application of ceramics, from functional objects to artistic statements, thereby reinforcing the design’s role in both utility and expression [11].
The Resistance to Fading, Chipping, or Scratching after Prolonged Use tests provide crucial insights into the durability and longevity of ceramic surface patterns under various stress conditions, especially in environments where exposure to UV light, impact, and surface scratching is common (Fig. 2). In ceramic design, balancing aesthetic appeal with long-term durability is essential for ensuring that products remain functional and visually appealing over time, particularly in high-use applications like tableware or decorative objects.
The intricate floral pattern exhibited the highest resistance to UV fading, withstanding 450 hours before visible fading occurred. This suggests that more complex, detailed patterns may offer better protection against UV light, possibly due to the distribution of pigments or the nature of the pattern itself, which might diffuse light more effectively. In contrast, the bold colors and circular shapes design showed the lowest UV resistance at 300 hours. The use of bold, solid colors may lead to quicker fading under prolonged UV exposure, making them less suitable for outdoor or high-light environments where UV stability is a priority.
The monochrome lines pattern demonstrated the highest chipping resistance, enduring 10 impact cycles before any chipping occurred. This suggests that simpler, linear designs may offer a more even distribution of impact forces, reducing the likelihood of localized damage. On the other hand, mixed textures (matte + gloss) performed the worst in chipping resistance, chipping after 7 impacts. The combination of different surface textures may create points of weakness where the glossy areas, being more brittle, are more susceptible to impact damage [12].
In terms of scratch resistance, mixed textures showed the best performance with a score of 8.2, indicating that the variation in surface texture could enhance the material’s ability to resist scratches. The interplay between matte and gloss finishes may distribute stress more effectively, preventing deep scratches from forming. Conversely, the intricate floral pattern had the lowest scratch resistance at 7.5, which may be due to the finer details of the pattern being more vulnerable to surface damage from abrasive materials.
These results highlight the importance of selecting surface patterns based on their resistance to environmental and physical wear, especially for ceramics used in functional applications. Patterns like intricate florals may be ideal for indoor decorative pieces where UV exposure is minimal, while monochrome lines offer superior durability against chipping, making them more suitable for high-contact items like tableware. Meanwhile, the mixed textures pattern offers excellent scratch resistance, making it a strong candidate for items that will experience regular handling and surface contact.
In the broader scope of integrating graphic design elements into ceramic surfaces, the data underscores the need to balance visual complexity with practical durability. The ability of a design to resist fading, chipping, and scratching not only impacts the longevity of the product but also its marketability, as consumers are likely to seek products that retain their visual and functional qualities over time. By understanding how different patterns perform under stress, designers can create ceramic products that offer both artistic value and long-lasting durability, catering to the dual needs of aesthetic beauty and functional resilience.

This work demonstrates the significant role that graphic design elements play in enhancing both the aesthetic appeal and functional durability of ceramic surfaces. Through comprehensive testing of various surface patterns: horizontal lines, geometric shapes, floral motifs, abstract patterns, and texture-based designs, we found that these design choices markedly influence wear resistance, fading, chipping, and scratching. Notably, intricate floral motifs excelled in UV fading resistance, while geometric shapes showed superior scratch resilience. Additionally, the durability of horizontal lines highlighted their effectiveness in high-contact scenarios. These findings underscore the importance of integrating thoughtful design principles into ceramic production, not only to elevate the visual experience but also to ensure longevity and practical usability. As consumer demand for both beauty and functionality in everyday objects continues to rise, this research provides valuable insights for designers and manufacturers seeking to create innovative ceramic products that resonate with users on multiple levels. Future studies could further explore the synergy between additional graphic design techniques and material science to expand the boundaries of ceramic applications.

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