Knowledge Base Repository
In addition to research papers, the Design Society is developing several valuable resources for those interested in the study of design. These include a repository of PhD theses, a library of case studies and transcripts of design activities, and an archive of our newsletters. Please note that these resources are accessible exclusively to Design Society members.
User Innovation Toolkits in Product Development: Qualitative Study in Shopping Center Design
Helminen, Pia; Ainoa, Juha
Type:
Year:
2009
Editor:
Norell Bergendahl, M.; Grimheden, M.; Leifer, L.; Skogstad, P.; Lindemann, U.
Author:
Series:
ICED
Section:
Design Methods and Tools
Page(s):
265-274
Abstract:
Understanding user needs is essential in product development. Transferring the user needs from the user to the manufacturer can be, however, difficult. In other words, the need-related information is costly to transfer, i.e. "sticky". So called user innovation toolkits are designed to help this sticky information transfer more easily. Available solution space and a module library are key elements of a toolkit. In this study, a qualitative experiment on three different toolkits is carried out in the application area of shopping center design. The roles of the size of available solution space and the content of the module library are examined. We learn that contrary to assumptions, opening up either the solution space or the module library only, will not lead users to communicate their true individual needs. Only when both elements are fully opened, the sticky need-related information will transfer.
Keywords:
