Innovation Value of Aesthetic Economy for Information Products - A Case Study of USB Drive Accessory

• Main Authors: Pei-Yu Ku, 古佩玉
• Other Authors: Chien-Hsiung Chen
• Format: Others
• Language: zh-TW
• Published: 2011
• Online Access: http://ndltd.ncl.edu.tw/handle/9nd8cs

碩士 === 國立臺灣科技大學 === 設計研究所 === 99 === As consumers increasingly develop more demand and reliance on IT products in modern society, almost everyone carries at least one of these items (e.g., cell phone, camera, laptop, mobile storage device such as USB drive or portable hard drive, tablet PC), and the various accessories necessary to meet their demands with them at all times. This study explores the impact of aesthetic economics on products within the IT industry and how one can create new value for these IT products with the advent of an age of meager profit. In an age of meager profit, most corporations focus their thoughts on how they can quickly mass produce products and cut costs. While consumers are glad to see an age of meager profit, they have not lowered any expectations or demands they may have regarding the product function, quality, specifications, innovation, and services. Rather, they expect to get more value than their money’s worth. This is why companies have to break out of established patterns of thought in an age where there is little differentiation in specifications and appearance of IT products. They must provide the added value which consumers desire if they wish to achieve market segmentation. This study conducted a survey analysis of IT products available on the market, such as cell phones, cameras, laptops, tablet PCs, USB drives, and so forth. Through the IT product accessory purchases and usage experiences of those surveyed, individual demand and assessments were evaluated to validate existing literature on aesthetic economics. The first stage of the study gains insight into the accessory usage habits, demands, and expectations of those surveyed. The test results were quantified and analyzed to yield information regarding the differences in usage and demand between men and women. Experimental research was then conducted using the example of USB drive product accessorization. The results of the study revealed that the value aesthetics economics bring to products is not merely limited to the appearance, traits, and specifications of the product itself. Demand for accessories and personalized designs catering to specific consumers will be on how corporations differentiate and compete against one another. Relative to the past, there will be more opportunities to increase the economic value of products through the time it takes to develop a product or extend product series than through altering the appearance of the product itself. In the future, designs which closely match consumer trends and take consumer demands into account will be the key to creating new value in accessorizing products.