Preferred Design Research Articles

Designing toys for older adults: Integrating learning theories to address needs

ABSTRACT With advancements in science, technology, and healthcare, senior citizens today face extended retirement periods of 15–35 years. However, many experience challenges such as declining physical and mental functions, which often lead to depression and reduced self-esteem. This study aims to explore the design elements and needs of older adult toys by integrating older adult learning theories to promote successful, healthy, and active aging. Using both qualitative and quantitative research methods, we analyzed expert interviews and applied multivariate statistical techniques, including descriptive statistics and independent sample t-tests, to assess the physical, psychological, and lifestyle needs of older adults. Additionally, we examined older adults’ attitudes and behaviors toward toys, leading to the identification of key design criteria and preferences. Based on these insights, we developed guidelines for designing toys that support the aging process and proposed a model to predict future market trends. The findings offer valuable guidance for the toy industry in fostering innovation and sustainable development.

The Impact of User Aesthetics on UI Design: Exploring Design Preferences in China's Sinking Markets vs. Tier 1 and Tier 2 Cities

The purpose of this paper is to explore the impact of the aesthetics of users in China's sinking - market and those in first - and second - tier cities on UI design. This research will conduct a case analysis through a series of typical e - commerce platforms in China. By distinguishing among user experience, cognitive burden, and emotional design, it summarizes what the aesthetic differences are among different market groups, what factors cause these differences, and the impact of these differences on UI design.

Practical implications for design professionals: integrating emerging patterns into new media interface design

ABSTRACT In the new media era, visual communication design (VCD) in interface design (ID) relies on critical design patterns—layout, color, typography, and interactive elements—that are essential for user engagement. This study investigates these design patterns in ID, drawing on responses from 760 professionals, including UI and UX designers, researchers, and industry experts. Data analysis with SPSS revealed key trends, common practices, and areas for innovation, informing strategies for improved user experiences in new media interfaces. By highlighting emerging patterns and addressing literature gaps, the study offers valuable insights into design preferences and challenges faced by professionals, with implications for educational curricula, tool development, cross-disciplinary collaboration, and user-centric guidelines.

Stakeholder Perspectives on a Heart Failure With Reduced Ejection Fraction Polypill: A Multi-Center Mixed Methods Study.

A polypill containing all 4 classes of guideline-directed medical therapy for heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) has been proposed to change the heart failure treatment paradigm. The acceptability, appropriateness, and feasibility of a HFrEF polypill-based strategy are unknown. The purpose of this study was to elicit patients' and providers' priorities in the design of HFrEF polypills. From April 2023 to December 2023, we conducted a convergent parallel mixed-methods study at Washington University in St. Louis, the University of California, San Francisco, and the American College of Cardiology. We administered physician surveys containing adapted implementation outcome measures to elicit physicians' perspectives on the acceptability, feasibility, and appropriateness of a HFrEF polypill (Likert scale ranging from 1 [low] to 5 [high]). We used a purposive sampling frame to select patients and physicians for in-depth interviews. Using semi-structured interview guides, we elicited participants' perspectives on current HFrEF care, HFrEF polypill design, and supportive strategies. The Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research v2.0 guided thematic analysis. Of the 214 survey respondents across the United States, physicians agreed that HFrEF polypills are highly acceptable (mean [SD], 4.2 [0.7]), highly appropriate (4.1 [0.8]), and highly feasible (4.1 [0.7]). Key themes from 9 patient and 22 provider interviews included the following: (1) current determinants of HFrEF care, including medication adherence, variations in clinical practice, and health care access, (2) provider-level differences in preferred HFrEF polypill design, (3) cost and equity considerations in the implementation of HFrEF polypills, and (4) research priorities for evaluating polypill effectiveness and implementation. A HFrEF polypill-based strategy was viewed as highly acceptable, appropriate, and feasible by patients and physicians. Participants described key priorities in HFrEF polypill design, titratability, and potential impacts on health equity that will directly inform future randomized controlled trials.

Bridging Perceptual Gaps: Designers vs. Non-Designers in Urban Wayfinding Signage Preferences

As urban environments become increasingly complex and the costs and challenges of infrastructure upgrades continue to rise, wayfinding signage has become an effective solution to cope with urban dynamics due to its low cost and high flexibility. Although the functionality of wayfinding signage has been extensively studied, the perceptual differences between designers and non-designers have not been adequately explored. Ignoring these differences may lead to the overlooking of users’ real and diverse needs, resulting in suboptimal signage performance in practical applications and ultimately a reduction in the overall functionality and user experience of urban spaces. This study aims to bridge this perceptual gap. For this study, we conducted a questionnaire survey in China to compare the visual preferences of designers and non-designers regarding text, shape, color coding, and patterns. The results indicate that designers prioritize functionality and clarity to ensure the effective use of signage in complex urban environments, whereas non-designers prefer wayfinding signages that reflect local cultural symbols and characteristics. Our conclusions suggest that the public’s expectations for wayfinding signage extend beyond basic navigational functions, with an emphasis on cultural expression and visual appeal. Understanding these perceptual differences is crucial in developing design strategies that balance functionality, esthetics, and sustainability, thereby facilitating the sustainable integration of signage into urban landscapes.

Expectations for gynaecological cancer nursing guidance development: A qualitative exploration: Part 1 – Creating foundational support

PurposeNurses are acknowledged as essential in the delivery of best practice gynaecological cancer care however previous studies have identified challenges in these nursing roles. Recommendations include the development of nursing guidance focused on supporting people with a gynaecological cancer. This study aimed to explore perceptions and expectations for the development of a gynaecological cancer nursing guidance resource in Australia and investigate preferred design and content inclusion. This paper presents the findings on expectations for the resource purpose. MethodsUtilising an exploratory qualitative descriptive design, 20 nurses and seven people with lived experience of gynaecological cancer participated in focus groups or interviews following a semi-structured interview guide. Transcripts underwent inductive content analysis. ResultsAll 27 participants identified as female, lived in one of 5 Australian states, included representation from regional locations (n=9, 33%), and mostly identified as Australian or mixed Australian ethnicity (n=25, 93%). The major theme, “Foundational support resource for nurses”, described how participants require a resource to support the delivery of gynaecological cancer nursing care. Participants articulated their goals for the resource through four subthemes: reducing variation in care; acknowledging diversity in nursing roles; addressing barriers; supporting development. ConclusionThe development of a guidance resource for gynaecological cancer nursing is supported by Australian gynaecological cancer nurses and people with cancer lived experience. It is expected its implementation will assist to improve cancer outcomes, equitable access to quality care and support the development and sustainability of the gynaecological cancer nursing workforce.

Research on User Preferences for App Icon Design in Digital Interaction Interface

Research on User Preferences for App Icon Design in Digital Interaction Interface

Optimization Analysis of Clothing Fabric Design Based on Autoencoder and Generative Adversarial Neural Network

In order to meet the challenges of increasingly diverse clothing styles and consumer demands in the market, traditional fabric design methods have become difficult to meet the needs of rapid iteration and innovation due to their time-consuming, costly, and subjective preferences of designers. In view of this, we propose an innovative fabric design optimization simulation strategy aimed at breaking through these bottlenecks through technological means. This strategy cleverly integrates advanced technologies of variational autoencoder (VAE) and generative adversarial network (GAN). First, VAE is used to capture and learn the complex distribution characteristics of existing clothing fabric designs, which include key information such as fabric texture, color matching, and structural details. Subsequently, GAN uses the hidden vectors obtained from VAE as input to generate brand new fabric design samples. During the training phase, GAN continuously iterates and optimizes, engaging in intense “adversarial” interactions between its generator and discriminator. The generator is dedicated to creating new samples that are as close to real fabric designs as possible, while the discriminator is responsible for identifying the authenticity of these samples. This process is implemented through backpropagation (BP) loss function, ensuring that the generated fabric design can visually simulate real fabrics. Experimental verification shows that this method can not only effectively generate high-quality and realistic clothing fabric designs, but also greatly shorten the design cycle and reduce costs.

Running therapy or antidepressants as treatments for immunometabolic depression in patients with depressive and anxiety disorders: A secondary analysis of the MOTAR study

BackgroundExercise promotes immunometabolic health and is increasingly recognized as an effective depression treatment. Exercise may be beneficial for patients with immunometabolic depression (IMD), who experience inflammatory and metabolic dysregulations and may respond less to antidepressants. This secondary analysis of the MOTAR study compared the effects of running therapy and antidepressants on IMD features among patients with depression and/or anxiety disorder. We additionally assessed whether baseline IMD moderated intervention effects on depression. MethodsParticipants received 16 weeks of group-based running therapy (N = 96) or escitalopram/sertraline (N = 45) in a partially randomized patient preference design. IMD features included atypical, energy-related symptom (AES) severity, inflammation index (CRP, IFN-γ, IL-6, TNF-α), metabolic syndrome index, three metabolite principle components (PC) (derived from 73 metabolites) and a composite IMD index. ResultsInterventions differed in changes in the metabolic syndrome index (d = 0.59, p = 0.026) and IMD index (d = 0.85, p < 0.001). While running therapy decreased both outcomes, the antidepressant group showed an increased IMD index. Although groups did not differ statistically significant in changes in AES severity, inflammation index, and metabolite PC1, results indicated a consistent trend towards greater improvement with running therapy across these outcomes as well (d = 0.38 to 0.52). Baseline IMD did not moderate intervention effects on depression outcomes. ConclusionsThis study suggests that exercise more effectively targets the IMD dimension than antidepressants. Patients with IMD did not benefit more from running therapy than antidepressants in terms of reductions in depression. Exercise should be considered an alternative or complementary treatment to particularly reduce IMD features in depressed patients. Trial registrationTrialregister.nl Number of identification: NTR3460.

Clothing design factors, aesthetic experience, and preference: Additional insights from neuromarketing in civil defense clothing

ABSTRACT This study analyzed the relationships among clothing design factors, aesthetic experience, and preference and suggested ways to design civil defense clothing with better work performance. We use behavioral and electroencephalogram (EEG) experiments to identify user-preferred colors and styles and incorporate them into an improved civil defense clothing design. Through the behavioral experiment, we identified the civil defense clothing design preferred by users and explored the aesthetic experience that influenced user preference. We used the neuroscientific method of event-related potentials to further explore the neural mechanisms of users’ preferred civil defense clothing designs. In the EEG experiment, the preferred civil defense clothing contains frontal late positive potential (LPP) components involved in aesthetic experience. These results indicate that the improved civil defense clothing design evoked aesthetic experiences from users. We expect that using advanced materials and design improves the user’s aesthetic experience and preferences. This research contributes to the development of civil defense clothing that not only enhance functionality but also improve user experience and work performance.

Discovering what young adults want in electronic interventions aimed at reducing alcohol-related consequences.

Despite intervention efforts, negative alcohol-related consequences continue to impact young adults. Most alcohol interventions focus on reducing alcohol consumption; however, previous research indicates that focusing solely on alcohol use may not decrease consequences. Additionally, many alcohol interventions have diminishing engagement, and few are designed with young adults involved in the development process. Drawing on user-centered design, this study sought to understand young adult perceptions, preferences, and needs for electronic interventions specifically aimed at reducing alcohol consequences. Using semi-structured qualitative interviews, 21 young adult drinkers (ages 18-24; 57.1% female) shared their opinions regarding the need for electronic interventions (i.e., mobile or web-delivered) to reduce alcohol consequences as well as their preferences for content, features, and ways to increase engagement. Interviews were coded and analyzed using a multi-step thematic analysis approach. As part of our discovery phase of intervention development, content coding revealed four main themes. Participants perceived several benefits of interventions focused on alcohol consequences, such as promoting mindful alcohol use and reducing alcohol-related harms. Participants also discussed perceived limitations of such programs, including believing consequences from drinking are unavoidable, necessary for learning, and associated with peer pressure. Preferences for features included real-time tracking, personalized feedback, and psychoeducation along with preferences for design including non-judgmental framing, interactive content, and a user-friendly platform. Engaging end users early in the development process is a valuable approach to increase intervention relevancy with the target population. This can also inform intervention content and design to maximize engagement and satisfaction (e.g., framing, features, and interactivity) while also reducing barriers identified early on (e.g., peer pressure).

Use of Remote Focus Groups to Improve Inclusive Design Practice

This study examines the use of remote focus groups to obtain wheeled mobility device user’s ideas regarding Shared Autonomous Vehicles (SAVs). Given the global increase in the aging population and disabled people, inclusive design is essential for accessible transportation. Using remote focus groups, this research collected statements from nine wheeled mobility device users about their design preferences, needs, and challenges with SAVs. Participants attended four virtual sessions featured with presentations and videos of SAVs. Discussions were video recorded in Zoom, with transcripts reviewed for accuracy. Data analysis included cleaning, coding, and assessing interrater reliability using the ICC. The findings not reported here highlighted the diverse needs and preferences of participants, emphasizing the importance of collecting information from this group early in the design process. This study shows well-planned remote focus groups can be an effective tool to gather human factors system design information from user populations that face transportation barriers.

Constitutional design preferences: An experimental approach

Abstract A rich literature links the survival of national constitutions to their legitimacy among citizens. However, most studies examine constitutions as a bundle of rights and institutions, and few test the micro-foundations of constitutional preferences explicitly. This article examines how individuals evaluate both the content and flexibility of discrete constitutional elements using a conjoint experiment in Japan. Respondents were asked to rate twenty-six hypothetical constitutions that varied randomly in their enumeration of twelve rights and institutions. We find that citizens generally prefer constitutions that enumerate more provisions, with greater weight placed on human rights than political institutions. This result largely confirms theoretical expectations from earlier work on comparative constitutional design. In addition, political factors, such as partisanship, moderate preferences on issues that have long divided progressives and conservatives in Japan, such as constraints on the military and establishing national emergency provisions. By contrast, socioeconomic characteristics such as income, age, and education do not, suggesting broad demographic consensus on the merits of distinct provisions. Importantly, we further demonstrate that citizens do not trade off constitutional detail and flexibility, as suggested by existing research. Respondents who prefer the enumeration of more provisions do not necessarily want a lower amendment hurdle to facilitate adaptation to new circumstances. Preferences about constitutional flexibility appear to be based on strategic imperatives, notably the desire to cement preferred provisions and prevent changes by future majorities.

The Hotel Industry in China: Overview, Observations, and Future Prospects of 5-Star properties within the Chinese hotel industry

This paper examines the evolution of 5-star hotels in China, focusing on the shifting trends in design, services, and customer preferences. The study explores the impact of cultural and generational changes on luxury hotel standards, alongside the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on hotel operations and recovery. Using industry data, personal observations, and an analysis of market trends, this research critically discusses the challenges faced by 5-star properties in maintaining uniqueness and high-quality service. The purpose of this study is to assess the status quo of luxury hotels and propose strategies for sustaining innovation and excellence in a rapidly changing hospitality landscape.

A study on emotionally engaging toothbrush design for children: An empirical approach based on child psychology and cognitive development

This study investigates the emotional engagement of children aged 3–12 with toothbrush color design from a psychological perspective, focusing on three distinct age groups: 3–5 years, 6–8 years, and 9–12 years. While previous research has primarily concentrated on the physical attributes of toothbrushes, this study employs a mixed-methods approach that combines quantitative surveys with qualitative interviews and observations, to analyze children's emotional responses and preferences for various toothbrush designs across different age groups. The findings reveal significant age-related differences in emotional engagement; younger children tend to prefer bright colors and playful shapes, whereas older children prioritize functionality. Additionally tactile experience and interactivity are found to play crucial roles in enhancing children's enjoyment and motivation for toothbrushing. Furthermore, the study explores the relationship between toothbrush design and children's oral health behavior, proposing an emotionally engaging toothbrush design framework that considers children's psychological needs across different age groups. This framework offers practical guidelines for designers to create toothbrushes that enhance children's brushing experience and contribute to their oral health. The study highlights the importance of emotional engagement in designing for children and offers new insights into creating user-centered products that cater to children's developmental needs, with implications for promoting children's oral health through emotionally engaging design.

Teaching posterior composite restorations: A survey of dental schools in Palestine

AimThis study aimed to assess different aspects of teaching posterior composite restorations in two dental schools in Palestine. Materials and methodsA questionnaire was emailed to the heads of the operative and conservative dentistry departments to collect detailed information on the teaching practices related to posterior composite restorations. The questionnaire comprised 22 questions structured to collect information on the time dedicated to teaching the topic, competency assessments, future plans for allocating time for each restoration type, relevant indications and contraindications, specific materials and techniques utilized in the application, and fees charged for posterior restorations. The gathered responses were collated in Excel and analyzed. ResultsBoth dental schools allocated similar teaching times to posterior composites and amalgam in their preclinical operative dentistry courses. However, there was a greater emphasis on composites in the clinical course than in the preclinical course at both institutions. Despite these differences, both institutions expressed a shared intention to allocate more time to teaching posterior composites while reducing the emphasis on teaching amalgam procedures. Consistency was observed across competency testing, cavity design preferences, and contraindications, with both schools favoring slot-type cavities. Furthermore, uniformity was noted in the management of operatively exposed dentin and matrix techniques, although variations existed in moisture isolation. Notably, both schools taught circumferential and sectional metal matrices but did not teach clear sectional matrices or use of bulk-fill composites. Additionally, the adhesive and light-curing practices remained consistent across both institutions. ConclusionThe findings of this study indicate that the teaching of posterior composite restorations is consistent across both Palestinian dental schools. Their curricula are aligned with contemporary international practices, demonstrating a strong commitment to modern operative dentistry and adherence to global standards. These findings offer valuable insights for educators and researchers and emphasize the need for ongoing adaptations to maintain high clinical standards.

국내 2형 당뇨병 애플리케이션의 디자인 사례 연구 - 20~30대가 선호하는 애플리케이션 중심으로

According to statistics from the Korea Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service, the number of diabetes patients in their 30s stood at 121,568 as of 2020, up 25.5% from four years ago. In particular, the prevalence of young diabetes patients in their 20s increased by 47% from 23,798 in 2016 to 35,005 in 2020. They are at high risk of complications due to their long disease life, so the importance of the diabetes management app is drawing attention for steady management and continuous information, but most apps are being developed focused on middle-aged people. There is inevitably a difference between the living environment of middle-aged people and those in their 20s and 30s, but due to the characteristics of the younger generation, which has a high proportion of single-person households, it is difficult to manage diabetes on their own. For young diabetics and diabetes patients in their 40s or older, there will be differences in the areas that are directly or indirectly affected by the living environment and social environment, so the preferred design will change and the physical situation will be affected, which will affect the user interface. Looking at the two objects together and developing diabetes applications will inevitably cause inconvenience to users. Recognize the gap between the two targets and see the need for applications used by young diabetes patients who have been pushed out of development targets, not applications for existing middle-aged people. Therefore, the study conducted a basic study for developing applications suitable for young diabetes patients by comparing applications preferred by people in their 20s and 30s with the design characteristics of diabetes management apps in order to develop applications that can help young diabetics manage diabetes on their own. The paper compared and analyzed the most frequently used and existing diabetes applications in their 20s and 30s. Currently, for diabetes applications, there is a lack of fun factors that can increase user access, leading to the need to develop fun factors that can help young diabetics manage continuously.

Analysis and Design of Electrical Transmission Towers with Various Sections and Bracing Configurations

Abstract: This study focuses on the analysis and design of a 400kV electrical transmission tower with a height of 50 meters. The tower was modeled in STAAD.PRO using three distinct steel sections Angle, Tube, and Channel combined with various bracing configurations, including X, K, and D-bracings. The main objective of this study is to determine the most efficient and economical configuration for the design of Transmission tower. The tower is analyzed for Dead load, Live load and wind load as per the codes. The study concludes that transmission towers with angled sections and X-bracing exhibit moderate displacement, minimal reaction forces, and reduced structural weight, making them a preferred design choice. Manual calculations were performed to design the connections and footing, ensuring structural integrity. The results confirm that the tower's connection design is safe and reliable

Isolated Cleft Foot: A Case Report and Review of Literature

AbstractCleft foot is a rare congenital anomaly (syndromic/isolated). Although there have been published reports about this anomaly, none has so far described standardized treatment guidelines. In this case report, we describe the details of operative management of an isolated cleft foot in an 8-year-old girl with a brief review of literature, keeping in mind the aims of the treatment, governed by the local culture and preferred footwear design in the Indian scenario.

Avoiding attention: The impact of embarrassment on preference for low-saturation design

Avoiding attention: The impact of embarrassment on preference for low-saturation design