Approach

The integral approach will focus on (i) use problems as a consequence of a mismatch between user and designer expectations about the product (ii) the user characteristics in relation to types of products and use-situations; (iii) product impact on user behaviour; (iv) company processes including product development and after-sales service; and (v) design methodology, expanding the existing approach of scenario-based design to incorporate the interaction between product design, user characteristics, and user behaviour.

Outcome

Outcome of this project is a design methodology that:

• supports the designer in obtaining an accurate, reliable and complete overview of the future use practice of the product,
• offers procedures for product quality testing, based on realistic product use, and tailored to specific product categories and situations,
• not just focuses on generating requirements and specs, but guides the total process of designing, selling and after-sales user assistance,
• takes into account the influence of both user characteristics and product characteristics on the formation of use practices,
• is suited for the design and development practice for different product and company types,
• provides a dedicated approach for after-sale services that is able to deal with use practices in a business wise optimal way,
• and deals with the ethical questions regarding behaviour monitoring and steering in product
  design.