EYES - Ergonomics in a Conceptual Design Process for Consumer Electronic Products

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to develop an expert system for the conceptual design of high-touch consumer electronic products. ‘High-touch’ refers to a high level of ergonomic design in a product as opposed to merely ‘high-tech’ gadgetry in the product. Two major tasks were undertaken as part of this development: 1) the development of a conceptual design process for potential consumer electronic products using an expert systems concept and 2) the specific evaluation of ten Daewoo prototypes (TV, VCR, audio system, microwave, vacuum cleaner, ergonomic keyboard, universal remote controller, intelligent telephone, and micro computer for preschool children) based on the above system. The expert system being developed incorporates the production model of conceptual design theory and the ergonomic principles used in the electronic products design. More specifically, the system, named EYES (Electronic Yuppie Expert System), uses EXSYS Professional as the expert system shell and are designed to process the information on the relationship between human functions and the product design requirements to find the conceptual design of potential new product. To elicit the general response to these potential products, a consumer survey was conducted. The result of the survey suggested that practical factors such as product functions, controls and ease of use etc. are more important than so called “image factor” such as brand name & size.