Objective This study aims to innovatively apply splicing methods to leather bag design, thereby facilitating the innovative development of leather product design. Through semiotic analysis and design research on splicing methods, it explores the underlying logic of their innovative application and specific manifestation mechanisms.

Methods Taking splicing methods in leather bag design as the research object, in the semiotic analysis stage of the splicing methods, based on Saussure’s semiotic theory, a systematic analysis is conducted of the symbiotic relationship between "signifiers", such as material splicing, technique splicing, and element splicing in the semiotic system, and their corresponding "signifieds" of function, aesthetics, and connotation. In the semiotic design research stage of the splicing methods, first, the target demand and style positioning are determined through market research; second, the symbiotic relationship between the signifiers and signifieds of the splicing methods in innovative design is constructed by combining the brainstorming method; third, the above symbiotic relationship exploration is sorted out and structured into AIGC prompt words, and artificial intelligence generated content (AIGC) technology is used as the symbol translation medium to batch generate a series of leather bag design schemes with application value of signifiers and signifieds; finally, the generated schemes are ranked by satisfaction and the optimal design is selected through the customer satisfaction (CSAT) survey method.

Results The research achieved three main results. First, a batch of 20 series of leather bag solutions with the application value of signifiers and signifieds is generated. Second, the evaluation and analysis show that in terms of reliability, the internal consistency of the scale is good and the measurement results are reliable (the individual α values of the 20 bags all exceed 0.80). In terms of validity, the scale has good structural validity (KMO=0.866 4, and the Bartlett sphericity test is significant (P<0.001)). In terms of satisfaction, the average overall satisfaction of the 20 bags ranges from 3.34 to 3.48, which is generally at a medium to upper level. Among them, B₂₇ has the highest overall satisfaction rate and can be regarded as a key model for mass production and promotion. From the perspective of dimensions, the satisfaction of dimension C (value provision: fun, pleasure, self-expression) is slightly higher than that of dimension A (style design) and dimension B (design approach), reflecting that respondents have a relatively high recognition of the emotional value of leather bag design. However, there is still room for further improvement in the visual impact of the "Y2K" style characteristics and the uniqueness of design details. Third, a complete design closed loop of "theoretical analysis - market research - innovative application - effectiveness verification" is formed.

Conclusions Research shows that taking Saussure’s semiotic theory as methodological guidance can not only achieve a visual breakthrough in the "form" of the splicing method in leather bag design, but also reach a connotation innovation at the "meaning" level, that is, it is conducive to the dual innovation of the form and meaning of the splicing method. The application of the brainstorming method helps to deeply explore and construct the symbiotic relationship of "interaction", "coordination" and "coupling" between the signifier and signified of symbols, endowing the design with more profound emotional, cultural, functional and other connotations and depth. The introduction of AIGC technology can significantly enhance the innovation level and overall efficiency of design, providing strong support for the expression of symbolic signifieds and the optimization of schemes. The application of the CSAT survey method is conducive to ensuring that the design outcome can ultimately be completed with high quality and more accurately aligned with the design positioning.