Taking the Ni Xi black pottery of Diqing Tibetan autonomous Prefecture as research object, the paper studies and analyzes the process and functional characteristics of black pottery from the perspective of modern design, and extracts elements and modeling factors to deduce and practice innovative design, and explore new ideas of innovative design. Firstly, the paper collates the current situation of black pottery and analyzes its causes; then the paper analyzes the design constitute of black pottery in terms of material, shape and decoration, and refines the design elements. Finally, the paper interprets the functional connotation of Ni Xi black pottery from four aspects, that is, practical function, cognitive function, symbolic function and aesthetic function, draws design inspiration and completes the design practice. With the unique material, Ni Xi black pottery's shape, gorgeous decoration and efficient functions are worthy of reference and learning for the design of modern ceramic products, bringing positive influence to lead traditional craftsmanship and serve society. By studying the process and function of Ni Xi black pottery, the paper shows the excellent achievements of cultural integration, and carries out design deduction and practical production with creative transformation thinking, it is proposed that only based on the times and through the unswerving practice of art design can the creative transformation and innovative development of traditional black pottery craft be realized, thus achieving the goal of high-quality inheritance and development.