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The value of computer-based product representations in co-designing with older users
journal contribution
posted on 2010-07-12, 08:23 authored by Diane GyiDiane Gyi, Rebecca CainRebecca Cain, Ian CampbellComputer-based representations of products offer potential time and cost savings in the early design stages
of new product development. As technology progresses they offer considerable scope for co-designing,
giving users a voice early in the design process. However, fewstudies address howusers relate to such models.
A laboratory-based study was conducted with 13 older users (six men and seven women) to investigate
their understanding of model formats used at an early stage of prototyping (i.e. on-screen digital images
and physical rapid prototyped (RP) models). The results indicate that users were able to identify the basic
purpose or function of a familiar product from the 2D line drawings. However, perceptions of size, weight
and materials were poor, particularly with a less familiar product. Essentially, finished RP models and 3D
colour computer-aided design images were found to communicate products more completely to users and
therefore useful for eliciting feedback. Unfinished models were found to be confusing to users, but elicited
more frequent suggestions for improvements indicating a role in co-designing. Guidelines are put forward
to encourage optimum use of these models and to facilitate communication between users and designers.
History
School
- Design
Citation
GYI, D.E., CAIN, R. and CAMPBELL, I., 2010. The value of computer-based product representations in co-designing with older users. Journal of Engineering Design, 21 (2&3), pp. 305-313.Publisher
© Taylor & FrancisVersion
- VoR (Version of Record)
Publication date
2010Notes
This article is Closed Access. It was published in the Journal of Engineering Design [© Taylor & Francis] and the definitive version is available at: http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/09544820903303449ISSN
0954-4828;1466-1837Language
- en