Product Concept Research Articles

The Human-Centredness Metric: Early Assessment of the Quality of Human-Centred Design Activities

Human-centred design as a research field is characterised by multidisciplinarity and a variety of many similar methods. Previous research attempted to classify existing methods into groups and categories, e.g., according to the degree of user involvement. The research question here is the following: How can human-centredness be measured and evaluated based on resulting product concepts? The goal of the paper is to present and apply a new metric—the Human-Centredness Metric (HCM)—for the early estimation of the quality of any human-centred activity based on the four goals of human-centred design. HCM was employed to evaluate 16 concepts, utilising a 4-point Likert scale, covering four different everyday products that were created by four students, which used three different human-centred design methods for this. The first concept was created without the application of any additional human-centred design method. The results illuminated trends regarding the impact of additional human-centred design methods on the HCM score. However, statistical significance remained elusive, potentially due to a series of limitations such as concept complexity, the small number of concepts, and the early developmental stage. The study’s limitations underscore the need for refined items and expanded samples to better gauge the impact of human-centred methods on product development.

From consumer values to attributes of natural health products for concentration and cognition: insights from a means-end-chain study

PurposeThis paper aims to determine, which values guide consumers decision-making on natural health products for concentration and cognition (NHPCC) and how they link to choice-relevant product attributes. The purpose is to contribute to a better understanding of NHPCC consumption choices, which can encourage more consumer-centric product development and positioning.Design/methodology/approachBased on the means-end chain approach, in-depth laddering interviews with 26 consumers of NHP were conducted in Germany from October to December 2020. Qualitative content analysis was applied and a hierarchical value map over the dominant association was built and analyzed.FindingsFive terminal values were found to be relevant for NHPCC decision-making. The personal focused values security, self-direction and stimulation are via health mainly associated with trust and a conscious decision-making, which is linked to the product attributes of effectiveness, tolerance and declaration. Social focused values of universalism or benevolence guide attention on the attributes of sustainability and regionality.Originality/valueThe study contributes to close the knowledge gap concerning the linkages between abstract values and concrete product attributes of NHP through associated consequences. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study that analyzed these links for NHPCC, although such products are gaining more interest among companies and consumers. Companies can benefit from the outcomes by developing more consumer-centric product concepts and marketing communication strategies for NHPCC. Due to higher attention on relevant information, consumers’ decision-making could become safer and more conscious.

Entrepreneurial marketing strategy in craft-based businesses in an emerging market: a qualitative interpretivist approach

PurposeThe primary aim of this study is to gain insight into the entrepreneurial marketing strategy (EMS) decisions made by microenterprises in the craft sector and draw comparisons between the marketing strategy formulation and implementation of conventional businesses and those of craft-based microenterprises with a specific focus on the context of emerging markets, particularly India.Design/methodology/approachThis paper follows a qualitative interpretivist paradigm using a multiple-case methodology approach. It tracks craft-based microenterprises that make furniture or home décor products in India. The study participants were the founders, principal designers, studio managers or craftspersons.FindingsThis study’s findings reveal that craft-based microenterprises implement an EMS that adopts a hybrid form of market orientation strategy. In this approach, the product or creative concept is at the centre of the decision-making, and the customer needs are factored in at a later stage for customisation. These microenterprises prioritise product positioning over segmentation and targeting strategies.Research limitations/implicationsThis study tries to understand marketing strategy decision-making processes among craft-based microenterprises in India. Given that study participants came from only two-product-based craft businesses, this limits the generalisability of the findings to similar or related contexts. This study provides a framework and methodology for replication in other contexts and industries to formulate a nuanced understanding of micro, context-specific, craft-based businesses.Originality/valueThis study uses qualitative analysis to understand EMS in craft-based businesses in India. This study contributes to this fledgling stream of literature at the interface of marketing and entrepreneurship to understand entrepreneurial marketing. This study analyses the marketing strategy of craft-based businesses using the framework of Morgan et al. (2019).

Screening respondents to increase data quality in consumer tests

Product tests are often conducted to understand consumer opinions and perceptions. A screener is often used to determine which respondents are consumers. Our goal was to determine how filtering consumers who gave low-quality screener responses affects test results. Respondents in Finland (n = 343) and Turkey (n = 342) completed an online questionnaire. The questionnaire began with a screener. Respondents who consumed category products regularly were classified as consumers. Points were allocated to respondents who gave dubious answers to screener questions. Respondents with too many points “failed”; others “passed”. Regardless, all respondents completed an online test of three product concepts and a short version of the portrait values questionnaire. Screener-passing consumers better discriminated the product concepts and had larger directional differences between the concepts than a conventional panel comprised of all consumers. Fixed-sized panels composed first of screener-passing consumers, then of all consumers, were simulated using the bootstrap procedure. Screener-passing simulated panels were more discriminating of the concepts and had larger between-concept differences than conventional simulated panels. These empirical results indicate the size of the benefit realized by incorporating data quality checks into screening. If consumers who give dubious screener responses are dropped, then other consumers can take their places or their places can be left unfilled, yielding either better differentiation or cost savings. Further study is needed to develop best practices in screening that can be used in different countries and cultures.

The german «model» of criminal-legal protection of the circulation of medicines and the circulation of medical products: concepts and structure

The article examines the German «model» of criminal law protection of circulation of medicines and circulation of medical products. A number of obligations assumed by Ukraine after the conclusion of the Association Agreement between Ukraine, on the one hand, and the European Union, the European Atomic Energy Community and their member states, on the other hand, are analyzed. In particular, obligations related to the legal protection of medicines and medical products.
 The subject of the authors’ consideration is the European standards of the «model» of criminal law protection of circulation of medicines and circulation of medical products against their counterfeiting (falsification), which Ukraine is obliged to take into account (according to the Medicrime convention).
 The criminal legislation of the Federal Republic of Germany is studied, as it provides the most complete protection of the circulation of medicines and the circulation of medical products. The German Medicines Act (1976) and the German Medical Products Act (2002) were developed by the authors.
 The German approach in defining the concept of medicinal products in the Law on Circulation of Medicinal Products is presented, which, according to the authors, is important because it «contradicts» the approach laid down in the Medicrime Convention.
 The article pays attention to the types of German criminal offenses that encroach on the established order of circulation of medicinal products and the types of criminal offenses that encroach on the established order of circulation of medical products.
 The authors find that the main advantages of the German «model» are the detailed inclusion of the provisions of the regulatory legislation, which ensures the circulation of medicinal products and the circulation of medical products, in the content of the structural elements of a specific type of criminal offense: a) in the content of objective and subjective signs of the corresponding composition of the act (on one «level» of the structure of the criminal offense), as well as b) the illegality of these criminal offenses (on another «level» of the structure).
 The content of “the circulation of medicines” and “the circulation of medical products”, provided for in the relevant provisions of the German Law on the circulation of medicines and the Law on medical products, is analyzed.

Environmental vs. labor issues: evidence of influence on intention to purchase ethical coffee in Japan

Two main issues in ethical consumption attract attention: environmental and labor issues. However, few studies have compared the conditions and effects that contribute to ethical purchasing behavior. To fill this gap, we conducted two studies targeting the Japanese food industry. In Study 1, we examined consumers who are accustomed to ethical consumption and clarified the product characteristics valued by consumers with high awareness of ethical issues. In Study 2, we conducted a randomized controlled trial to examine the effects of product concepts of environmental and labor issues on coffee purchase intentions. Study 1 confirmed that environmental and labor issues are emphasized for coffee, whereas recycling is emphasized for tea. This difference is due to the difference in production countries (coffee: developing countries, tea: Japan) and packaging materials (coffee: paper cups, tea: PET bottles). Study 2 showed that labor issues had a greater impact on purchase intention and willingness to pay than that of environmental issues owing to the adoption of producers’ photographs. This study complemented existing literature by comparing the conditions and effects of environmental and labor issues on ethical purchasing behavior. Considering the limited resources of companies and limited ability of consumers to process information, understanding predictive factors is extremely crucial.

Beyond plant-based alternatives to milk and meat: Product and individual variables influence purchase intention for plant-based yoghurt and eggs

The present research contributed new knowledge to support consumers’ uptake of plant-based (PB) foods and the wider transition to flexitarian and PB diets. Focus was directed to under-investigated PB foods – PB yoghurt and PB eggs – which were studied in a sample of urban-living adult Australian consumers (n = 2114). The research strategy used a combination of text highlighting and rating-based conjoint analysis, and this generated insights that were generic to each product category (text highlighting) and those that revealed preferences for specific product characteristics (text highlighting, conjoint analysis). In text highlighting, the results for the two product categories were similar in finding that consumers responded positively to information about the environmental and personal health benefits of PB foods. Negative responses (text highlighting) were observed for information relating to certain product characteristics. In the conjoint analysis, average purchase intention ratings were 3.6 for PB yoghurt and 3.7 for PB eggs, and thus closer to ‘not at all interested in buying’ (1) than to ‘very interested in buying’ (9). For PB yoghurt, the product concept that received the highest purchase intent had the lowest price and was based on soy milk with 3 % fat content. For PB eggs, only the PB ingredients used influenced stated purchase intent significantly, with positive utility for the combination of green split peas and chickpeas (compared to the combination of mung beans and lupin beans). Individual variables influenced consumer purchase intent in expected ways, and the results identified attitude to PB diets and PB product familiarity as most important, with sex, age, educational attainment, food neophobia and type of diet (omnivore, flexitarian and vegetarian) as lesser influences. These results suggest that improving attitudes to and familiarity with PB foods could contribute to support uptake of PB yoghurt and PB eggs among Australian consumers.

Crowdsourcing priorities: a new participatory ex-ante framework for crop improvement

Demand-led approaches to crop breeding involve ranking priorities across different disciplines and stakeholder categories, but the implications of decisions made during varietal development are frequently understood only years later. Breeding teams must work a priori to rank crop improvement priorities and product concepts considering the context of the current, and ideally future, environmental, production and market conditions that a variety will be entering upon release. We propose PEEP (Participatory Ex-antE framework for Plant breeding), a new ex-ante framework, as a methodological tool for priority setting in plant breeding. PEEP leverages two elements: the usage of a heterodox methodological approach and the strong emphasis on the participation of knowledge-rich stakeholders. PEEP ranks crop improvement impacts based on a heterogenous set of environmental, social, and economic benefits and it employs a recursive and tailored multi-stakeholder approach to relate crop improvement impacts and product concepts. PEEP builds on the need to engage technical as well as practical knowledge and utilizes a tailored engagement strategy for each knowledge-rich stakeholder involved. The outcome is an assessment that ranks crop improvement impacts and breeding product concepts according to designed set of criteria. PEEP is scalable, gender inclusive, and crop agnostic. The results of PEEP are ex-ante recommendations for breeding teams in National Agriculture Research centers (NARs) and CGIAR centers alike. This methods manuscript describes the theoretical foundations of PEEP and its four phases of implementation.

Functional Prototype Design for a Programmable Equipment in Personalized Football Training

AbstractAssembly and testing are the last stages in the design phase to obtain proof of concept for a certain product. Although it is time and cost consuming, assembly fit and test are crucial for the future development of any complex product, unveiling potential consequences in the future product life cycle. The current paper addresses the main assembly stages, testing strategies, feedback implementation, and redesign decisions involved in the development of a programmable equipment in personalized football training. Demountable subassemblies are used for the manufacture of the final prototype, encouraging interchangeability of parts, and modularity of the final product. Coupling, gear, key, and bearing assemblies are mainly used to physically obtain the programmable equipment prototype. Since some components are bespoke and are 3D printed specifically for this product, fit tests are undertaken to ensure proper functioning of all mechanical and electronic components. Software and electronic testing are also done to both calibrate and ensure proper code functioning. Optimization of the prototype is implemented in all three main systems that make up the personalized football training equipment: mechanical, electronic, and software. The optimized functional prototype of the equipment will be subjected to endurance tests in order to evaluate the life expectancy of individual components, subassemblies, and, finally, of the general product.

Exploring co-creation with agri-food smallholders in Vietnam

The food system in Vietnam is changing whilst the middle class is growing. Agri-food smallholders have the strengths of responding to the changing needs of the middle class by offering freshness, proximity and convenience but they also face increasing competition from larger and international firms. At the same time, issues with food safety are prevalent and a rising concern among consumers. For this study we completed sixteen co-creation workshops between local agri-food smallholders and consumers. The goal of these workshops was to explore the value of participatory processes, non-hierarchical decision making and creativity for smallholder firms in Vietnam through co-creation workshops focused on sustainability. The outcomes show that the workshops can stimulate customer understanding and participatory processes among the smallholder businesses, but creativity in the form of novel ideas less so. The workshops did not result in directly feasible or manageable product and service concepts. The topic of sustainable food opened a dialogue: insights between the firms and customers on this topic were mutually rich. The outcomes suggest that co-creation workshops can create a sense of community and urgency for sustainability. In the future, the challenge for smallholders is to invest in participatory processes with a long-term view on sustainability as well as come to practical design outcomes on the short term.

Data-driven implicit design preference prediction model for product concept evaluation via BP neural network and EEG

Customer preference-involved product concept evaluation is a vital stage for developing new products. One of the key factors in this stage is to mine the potential relationships between customers’ needs and technical requirements. In most new product development (NPD), design characteristics (DCs) are employed as performance indicators to describe the technical requirements of a scheme. Previous studies have focused on evaluating the degree to which a scheme meets the performance value of DCs, disregarding the relationship between DCs and potential user preferences. This oversight leads to an inability to accurately predict customer satisfaction with the candidate schemes based on their preferences. Previous research, which was aimed at ensuring the preference value of schemes by utilizing mapping data between design preference (DP) and DCs, overlooked users' psychological states and thus failed to accurately capture their cognitive preferences for the schemes. To address these issues, an electroencephalogram (EEG) data-driven, implicit DP prediction approach is proposed. The method characterizes the implicit cognitive relationship between DP and DCs by mining EEG data and utilizes a back propagation (BP) neural network to predict DP. First, a user's DP word pairs were constructed based on the approach of statistical analysis, and the best-worst method (BWM) was introduced to obtain the importance of DCs. Second, an experiment was designed based on the extracted preference word pairs to collect EEG data that reflect a user's DC preference, record the user's stimulation state toward the DCs, and label their DP based on the segmentation results of preference evaluation. Third, a BP neural network was employed to construct a preference prediction model for DCs, and the reliability of the proposed preference prediction model was validated by using the forklift design example. The prediction results further exhibited the potential association between user preferences and DCs that can be acquired by EEG data mining. The results also provide support for designers to promptly acquire design concepts that satisfy user requirements (URs), thereby enhancing the efficiency and quality of product development in a highly competitive market.

Redesign of Standard Paddock Motorcycle Products Using the Quality Function Deployment (Q.F.D.) Method

One of the two standard replacement aids for motorcycles is the Standard Paddock. The use of Paddock Standard itself was initially only used on sports or racing motorcycles because it did not have standards attached to the motorcycle. However, after the times and technology, leverage standards are in great demand by motorcycle lovers for daily activities and modifications. This research aims to design Paddock Standard tools that suit the wants and needs of consumers who are functional and able to provide safety, comfort, and convenience for their users. The design of the tool uses the Quality Function Deployment (Q.F.D.) method, which will later become a benchmark in making design concepts. There are two design concepts and one combined concept, where the selected is a combined concept A + B. After users test the concept and prototype of the design product as consumers, the average likes the product concept, which can provide more function than the previous tool. When asked if it can be implemented quickly and use the tool every day, most answer that they will probably use it more often every day.

국제 게임 유통 플랫폼에 대한 게임물 등급분류 제도의 적용 문제

With the advent of the era when games can be downloaded or played in real time regardless of borders, the importance of international game distribution platforms in the game industry is increasing. However, in the case of Steam, the world's biggest international game distribution platform, it is problematic because it is not properly subject to the domestic game classification system.
 There are many discussions on the need for improvement in the game classification system, but it is problematic that games that have not been classified are exposed to the public through large international game distribution platforms unless the function of youth protection, which is one of the main purposes of the classification system, is overlooked.
 In the text, we first look at the history and institutional purpose of the game product classification system, and the rating system overseas, and based on this, we look at the disciplinary system under the current game industry law. Furthermore, it examines how overseas game products are handled in the Game Industry Act, whether the concept definition is appropriate, and how the rating for international game distribution platforms such as Steam should be classified.
 In conclusion, it is necessary to clarify the concept of overseas game products under the Korean Game Industry Act so that it can be harmonized with the current game classification system. This is because there are already separate autonomous classifications and fines for overseas games, but the establishment of a clear concept category will serve as the basis for systematic regulations and responses to flooding overseas games in the future.
 In addition, it is necessary to go through close cooperation with major international game distribution platform operators in the future, and gradually proceed with basic discussions such as the introduction of a simple age authentication system and random exposure restrictions on adult games.
 In particular, since the influx of adult games from international game distribution platforms is not only a problem in Korea, it is also possible to consider cooperating with overseas game rating agencies or organizations. Furthermore, it is necessary to come up with legislative policy measures to properly regulate overseas game products in the long-term direction of improving the game classification system, and in-depth discussions need to be conducted in academia in the future.

POSSIBILITIES OF MODERN COMPUTER TECHNOLOGIES USING ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE IN CREATING FINE ART OBJECTS

This article explores the possibilities of current technologies with the addition of artificial intelligence to the creation of different types of creative arts. The scope of application of artificial intelligence technology in the formation and creation of creative objects has been explored. The main advantages of using artificial intelligence in creating creativity are identified. Attention is paid to the methods and fundamentals of shaping and creating creative objects, artificial intelligence in comparison with humans. The main functions and capabilities of neural networks in creating and generating a concept for a creative product have been studied. The shortcomings and imperfections in the creation and formation of a work of art using modern artificial intelligence technologies have been identified. The question of the genius and uniqueness of human thought is considered in the search for primary ideas and the creation of a concept in comparison with algorithms for the formation of ideas made using computer technology and neural networks. The current range of artificial intelligence functions has been analyzed, which can help simplify most of the tasks required when creating primary visualization, a sketch part for the subsequent implementation of a design project. The algorithm and its features of forming a query are considered to obtain the final visualization and the product of artificial intelligence. The relevance of artificial intelligence and its influence on the development of creativity in various fields of art is considered. The factor of influence of computer technologies and neural networks on the media space and society as a whole has been identified. The relevance of the discussion on the impact of artificial intelligence and neural networks on the labor market is analyzed. The functions and capabilities of artificial intelligence are examined in detail, based on the current “Midjorney” neural network. The influence of the neural network on the scope of activity of interior designers and the formation of internal spaces is considered. The methods of using a neural network in the formation of landscape design and urban planning are discussed in detail. The range of applications and possibilities of artificial intelligence in the creation of fine art and sculpture has been explored.

Third-Order Intermodulations Phase Shifting in Power Amplifiers for Spatial Filtering in Multi-Beam 5G mmW Phased Array

This paper proposes an innovative concept of spatial third-order intermodulation products (IMD3) filtering in millimeter-wave 5G phased arrays. This technique aims to relax the linearity constraints on the power amplifiers (PA) and thus power consumption. Implementation of independent control of the phase of IMD3 is proposed by using the nonlinear output capacitance of metal-oxide semi-conductors (MOS) amplifiers under phase-controlled second harmonic injection. The implemented control uses beamforming properties to perform spatial filtering of IMD3 product. A second harmonic injection on a power amplifier is proposed in STMicroelectronics CMOS065SOIMMW technology at 28 GHz. It shows phase control of IMD3 with a range of 35 degrees, allowing relaxation up to 17 dB on the linearity of large phased array power amplifiers.

The Path from Scientific Discovery to Electrochemical Product Realization

This article will follow the path from initial scientific discovery to product concept and eventual commercialization. We will utilize the history of new nanocrystalline metal materials made by electrodeposition at Xtalic as a case study for what worked and what didn’t work.

New Product Development from the Perspective of Creating a Competitive Advantage

Abstract It is acknowledged that achieving product-based competitive advantage is a key task for a company. However, there is still a research gap in determining those specific actions in the process of developing new products that arise from companies’ efforts to achieve product-based competitive advantage. Therefore, the aim of this study is to determine the specific actions in the new product development (NPD) process that result from companies’ intention to introduce a new product to the market, enabling the achievement of a competitive advantage. The primary research method used in this study is deductive reasoning, supplemented by a literature review. The result of the study is the proposal of three types of actions: a) evaluating an opportunity in terms of its potential to generate a competitive advantage; b) creating a new product with high economic value; and c) assessing both the planned new product and the new product introduced to the market in terms of achieving a competitive advantage. The latter two types of actions can be undertaken at various stages of the NPD process and can pertain to the product concept itself and to specific product forms (e.g., prototypes, pilot products). These proposed actions are significant because attaining a product-based competitive advantage contributes to the achievement of other objectives related to new products (e.g., revenue generation). Therefore, it is recommended that companies incorporate these actions into their NPD process. This study contributes to the field of management by proposing few specific actions in each phase of the NPD process, which arise from a company's intention to achieve a product-based competitive advantage, addressing a previous gap in the literature.

How Innovation Affects Users’ Emotional Responses: Implications for Product Success and Business Sustainability

The market is experiencing an expanding range of products, prompting manufacturing companies to differentiate themselves from competitors by moving away from conventional concepts. However, these innovations often fail to meet consumer expectations, leading to product failure, and consequently, an unsustainable evolution of the market and the business. This unsustainability requires designers to adapt innovations to align with consumer needs and desires. Understanding and validating these adaptations can be achieved by examining users’ emotional responses to innovative products. The objective of this study is to assess the influence of innovation in the development of new successful products, sales performance, and, therefore, business sustainability. This evaluation is based on the perceptions of potential consumers through the analysis of users’ emotional responses to various new product concepts at different design stages. A case study presents the evaluation of 48 new interactive lamp concepts categorized into relaxation, study, and leisure topics. The target audience for these concepts is consumers aged 18 to 24. The designs were developed by 12 teams of final-year industrial design students using insights from a prior psychographic study involving over 800 potential consumers. The findings highlight differences in users’ perceptions of innovative and traditional products across topics. These differences relate to users’ interest, intuitiveness, and desirability toward a product. Generally, traditional product concepts are perceived as more intuitive, but users show greater interest and desire for innovative concepts, with some variations among the analyzed topics. The business environment is encouraged to share these data with new product-development teams to achieve sustainable market and business growth.

Dietary supplementation of black rice bran to colon carcinogen-induced mice: Examining the development of colorectal cancer by improving environmental colon conditions

This research aims to identify the effects of the administration of a black rice bran diet on colorectal cancer in dextran sodium sulfate and azoxymethane-induced BALB/c mice. The research was conducted on three groups consisting of eight Balb/c mice: two groups were fed with carcinogens, and the third group, referred to as the normal group, was supplied with Isotonic NaCl 0.9% intraperitoneally. One group fed with carcinogens was supplied a standard AIN 1993 M diet modified with black rice bran as a substitute of fibre source, while the other two mice groups were fed the standard diet (AIN-93M) containing cellulose fibre. At the 17th week, all mice were euthanized; their colonic sections were taken for histopathological evaluation, and cecum for short-chain fatty acids concentration, total lactic acid bacteria, pH and β-glucuronidase activity evaluations. The results show an increase in the total lactic acid bacteria and short-chain fatty acids in the mice group fed with rice bran. Consequently, pH value and β-glucuronidase activity had decreased. Histopathological evaluation of mucosal tissue exhibited inhibition of the tumor growth rate in the mice groups fed rice bran compared to the group supplied with the standard diet. Furthermore, the proliferating cell nuclear antigen expression had decreased significantly, while expression of caspase-8 and caspase-3 had increased notably, in the group fed with a rice bran diet. These results suggest that black rice bran can effectively inhibit colon carcinogenesis. The potential of black rice bran as a source of fibre has not been studied in detail regarding the inhibition mechanism of colorectal cancer cells; further investigation in this field could provide valuable information about new strategies to prevent colorectal cancer. This strand of research is very important to developing preventive methods against cancer and promoting the concept of healthy products, including functional foods.

STRATEGI PENGEMBANGAN PRODUK BARU SEBAGAI UPAYA DALAM MENINGKATKAN DAYA SAING PERUSAHAAN

Product development is one of the marketing strategies that aims to increase the company's competitiveness. To realize product development, companies are required to provide a wide range of product choices to consumers by taking into account the dimensions of product development itself. The purpose of this research is to find out how the new product development strategy is an effort to increase the company's competitiveness. the research method used is a literature study of several models adopted and outlined in a descriptive form. The results of this study state that the product development strategy is through a product development process by generating ideas, developing and testing product concepts. Strategies to increase competitiveness include new products for the world, new product lines, improvement of existing products, repositioning, cost reduction.