Investigation of user-product interaction by determining the focal points of visual interest in different types of kitchen furniture: An eye-tracking study

Abstract

The furniture industry faces the challenge of designing furniture that attracts greater visual attention from customers, leading to increased sales and positive impacts on the industry, businesses, economy, and the environment. In pursuit of this objective, the imperative lies in the development of user-centric designs that amplify the interaction between users and products within the furniture sector. This research aims to identify the focal points of interest in kitchen furniture through the utilization of eye-tracking technology. By analyzing the gaze points of 60 participants observing 10 different kitchen furniture models introduced in the showroom, valuable insights can be provided to designers. These insights, in turn, empower designers to fabricate products that effectively capture heightened user attention. The investigation involves the assessment of average gaze counts and the generation of visual interest heatmaps. The discernments derived from the research underscore that areas at eye level garner a more pronounced level of attention. Furthermore, the study observes that factors such as material diversity, accessory utilization, and the integration of lighting elements exert a positive influence on visual interest. The results, within the context of neurodesign, offer valuable guidance to the furniture sector. These results can support decision-making in new product design, manufacturing, and marketing, enabling the industry to produce attention-grabbing furniture.