Perceptual Factors Underlying Users’ Image Perception toward Product Form

• Main Authors: Chang, Chien-Cheng, 張建成
• Other Authors: Hsu, Shang Hua
• Format: Others
• Language: zh-TW
• Published: 2000
• Online Access: http://ndltd.ncl.edu.tw/handle/78760030174396675211

博士 === 國立交通大學 === 工業工程與管理系 === 88 === This study consists of basic product semantics and product form application research. The purpose of this study is tri-fold: (1) to explore the differences between designers’ and users’ perception of product form, (2) to investigate the differences between product form perceptions of real products and photographic images, and (3) to propose a user-preference-based model for product form development. The result of Experiment 1 revealed that many differences exist between designers and users in perceiving the same product form as well as in interpreting the same image word. What the designers favor may not be appreciated by the users. These differences cause a discrepancy in preference and relationship between the image word and design elements for the two subject groups. The reduction of this discrepancy presents a significant challenge for designers. Experiment 2 showed that differences between real and photographic samples regarding preference and image perception are minimal. No consistent difference between these two materials was found. The magnitude of difference varies with different product images. The photographic images, therefore, can be used to take the place of real products on the condition that features and details be clearly presented. To apply user’s preference and image perceptions towards product form to the practical design, the author proposed a user-preference-based model (UPBM). Mobile phone design was used to illustrate how to transfer the user’s preference and image perceptions into design specifications. From statistical analysis, current design trends and the utility of design factor levels were specified for establishing the styling benchmarks for new product ideas. Finally, the analytic hierarchy process was employed to evaluate the feasibility of design alternatives. The quantitative database provided in this study serves as an important reference model enabling designers to transfer the consumer’s needs into design specifications. Furthermore, the relationship between design elements and user evaluations can help designers and product managers in formulating design strategies. The UPBM design approach provides efficiency and variety in design and development of product form.