Objective In the context of the contemporary transformation of traditional visual symbols, this research explores the feasibility of introducing the fractal generative logic of Guibei (tortoise-shell) patterns into the design process of leather bag products, aiming to construct a systematic translation framework integrating generative rules, design decision-making, and product application. By employing the principles of self-similarity and recursion inherent in fractal theory, the study seeks to overcome the limitations of experience-based pattern creation and promote the transition of Guibei motifs from static planar ornamentation to structurally generative systems, thereby providing methodological support for the structural reinterpretation of traditional motifs.

Methods A fractal-logic-based analysis was conducted to reconstruct the rule system underlying Guibei patterns. Through self-similar and recursive mechanisms, the structural evolution of the motif was derived to establish an operable fractal pattern generation pathway. On this basis, a user-acceptance perspective was introduced, and questionnaire surveys were conducted to collect data on users’ perceptions of pattern structure, fractal cognition, color preference, and product usage scenarios. Statistical analysis was performed to transform aesthetic judgments into quantifiable design parameters. The fractal generative rules were then integrated with user-preference parameters to construct an application framework for fractal Guibei patterns in terms of structural relationships, color combinations, and expressive hierarchies, guiding the practical design of leather bag products.

Results The results demonstrate that the fractal generative method is highly effective in the structural evolution of Guibei patterns, maintaining overall order and morphological stability under complex curved-surface conditions, and enabling the transformation from static decorative forms to structurally generative systems. With the incorporation of user-preference parameters, the application of fractal motifs in leather bags enhanced the hierarchical expression and recognizability of cultural connotations, facilitating the effective translation of traditional visual symbols within contemporary consumption contexts. Product simulations further indicate that parametric modeling and material-matching strategies improved design efficiency and reduced physical prototyping costs. These findings align, to a certain extent, with green design principles and low-carbon orientations, providing practical support for the scalable application of traditional motifs in leather products.

Conclusions Fractal theory establishes a rule-driven generative mechanism for the contemporary reinterpretation of traditional Guibei patterns, reconstructing the mode of visual expression of traditional symbols in leather bag design and enabling a transition from experience-based creation to structurally and systematically guided design process. The integration of user preference into the design decision framework strengthens the internal linkage between cultural expression and contemporary aesthetic experience, promoting the practical transformation of traditional motifs within consumer contexts. The resulting design pathway offers a scalable model for the modernization of Chinese aesthetic elements in leather product design and holds enduring significance at both the methodological and industrial levels.