Application of Kansei engineering in the innovative design of traditional fashion elements

Abstract

Kansei engineering can quickly establish the relationship between human emotion and product composition, and it is expected to be an important method for design evaluation. This paper investigates the application of Yungang Grottoes Bodhisattva necklaces to modern attire, specifically the cheongsam, with a focus on the Kansei Engineering-based design approach. The study introduces sensory evaluation to analyse the suitability of various types of Yungang Grottoes Bodhisattva necklaces in cheongsam designs and the sensual style of high-fit cheongsam designs. Two experiments were conducted, with Experiment 1 assessing the suitability of Yungang Grottoes Bodhisattva necklaces on different traditional cheongsam, and Experiment 2 examining the overall style of cheongsam designs when combined with Yungang Grottoes Bodhisattva necklace designs. Fuzzy logic was employed in Experiment 1 to evaluate the suitability of each necklace element, while Experiment 2 incorporated sensory evaluation to determine the sensual style of high-fit cheongsam designs, assessed through subjective ratings by 50 industry experts and 50 evaluators (women aged 18 to 35). The investigation utilized standard procedures for subjective evaluation experiments, resulting in the determination of the suitability of three mainstream cheongsam designs with 24 Yungang Grottoes Bodhisattva necklaces, as well as the identification of high-fit cheongsam sensual styles. The paper concludes by providing recommendations for the design of Yungang Grottoes Bodhisattva necklaces on the cheongsam, utilizing the relative weight values of cheongsam designs as guidance for future applications. This research contributes to understanding the integration of cultural artefacts in contemporary fashion, offering insights into design considerations and potential enhancements of the cheongsam through the incorporation of Yungang Grottoes Bodhisattva necklaces.