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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 Campbell
Computer-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 & Francis

Version

  • VoR (Version of Record)

Publication date

2010

Notes

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/10.1080/09544820903303449

ISSN

0954-4828;1466-1837

Language

  • en