Evaluation of user-centred methods in product design: a holistic approach

Abstract

The user’s preference on a product depends on various factors such as the hedonic and pragmatic product performance as well as individual requirements. Thus, to ensure user-centred product design, methods must be identified which support the designer in taking the user perspective into account and promote the development of a holistic design integrating pragmatic and hedonic aspects. In the project ‘Gender-specific Kansei Engineering’ five methods for the identification of user-centred product concepts and quality requirements are tested in three target groups (users, experts, and designers). The methods are evaluated on two dimensions: data quality and application effort. The evaluation shows that qualitative methods (couple interview and focus group) are in terms of data quality more helpful in product design. In contrast, quantitative methods (AttrakDiff2, Kano-questionnaire, and Prototype mapping) generate lower application effort.