TY - JOUR
T1 - Functional customization
T2 - Value creation by individual storage elements in the car interior
AU - Wagner, A.-S.
AU - Kilincsoy, U.
AU - Reitmeir, M.
AU - Vink, Peter
PY - 2016
Y1 - 2016
N2 - BACKGROUND: Mobility demands change due to differing life stages of car owners. Car sharing and retail markets seldom offer a possibility for customization by the user in contrast to the freedom of choice of an initial owner of a car. OBJECTIVE: The value creation of functional customization is investigated. Prior to a test with a concept design, different use case scenarios of car drivers are identified regarding the preferred storage location of their personal belongings in different situations. METHODS: A study with 70 subjects was conducted in order to evaluate the value added by functional customization. Storage habits of users were investigated in general and in relation to a concept design offering the possibility for flexible storage. RESULTS: Smartphones, supplies, beverages and wallets were the most relevant belongings in all driving situations (commuting, leisure, vacation and special occasions) complemented by sports equipment. Smartphones and other valuables are stored within reach and sight of the user. The emotional responses, recorded before and after the test, subdivided in attraction, hope and joy indicated positive feedback. CONCLUSIONS: The ease of use and the design proved to be crucial product characteristics of individually adaptable storage solutions. Positive emotions are contributing factors for a user's purchasing decision.
AB - BACKGROUND: Mobility demands change due to differing life stages of car owners. Car sharing and retail markets seldom offer a possibility for customization by the user in contrast to the freedom of choice of an initial owner of a car. OBJECTIVE: The value creation of functional customization is investigated. Prior to a test with a concept design, different use case scenarios of car drivers are identified regarding the preferred storage location of their personal belongings in different situations. METHODS: A study with 70 subjects was conducted in order to evaluate the value added by functional customization. Storage habits of users were investigated in general and in relation to a concept design offering the possibility for flexible storage. RESULTS: Smartphones, supplies, beverages and wallets were the most relevant belongings in all driving situations (commuting, leisure, vacation and special occasions) complemented by sports equipment. Smartphones and other valuables are stored within reach and sight of the user. The emotional responses, recorded before and after the test, subdivided in attraction, hope and joy indicated positive feedback. CONCLUSIONS: The ease of use and the design proved to be crucial product characteristics of individually adaptable storage solutions. Positive emotions are contributing factors for a user's purchasing decision.
KW - flexible storage
KW - Functional customization
KW - smart interior design
KW - usability
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=84985897181&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.3233/WOR-162360
DO - 10.3233/WOR-162360
M3 - Article
AN - SCOPUS:84985897181
SN - 1051-9815
VL - 54
SP - 873
EP - 885
JO - Work: a journal of prevention, assessment & rehabilitation
JF - Work: a journal of prevention, assessment & rehabilitation
IS - 4
ER -
