Concurrent consideration of product usability and functionality: part III - customising and validating design guidelines for a subassembly of a complex consumer product (automobile automatic transmission)

Abstract

In the case study presented in this paper, the integrated generic design guidelines developed in part 1 of the paper for usability and functionality were applied to a subassembly of a complex consumer product. The subassembly considered was the automatic transmission used in automobiles. Unlike the mountain touring bike, which is directly used by consumers, automatic transmission has little direct contact with the users. The users of the product are relatively unaware of its functions owing to the complexity of the product (automobile) and its limited user interface elements. The challenge was to elaborate on the customer requirements for this product. The generic guidelines were customised and validated by surveying users of the product. Statistical tests were carried out to evaluate the customised guidelines.