Formulation and use of criteria for the evaluation of aesthetic attributes of products in engineering design
Year: 2013
Editor: Udo Lindemann, Srinivasan V, Yong Se Kim, Sang Won Lee, John Clarkson, Gaetano Cascini
Author: Roussos, Lampros; Dentsoras, Argyris
Series: ICED
Institution: University of Patras, Greece
Page(s): 547-556
ISBN: 978-1-904670-50-6
ISSN: 2220-4334
Abstract
Constant and rapid technological progress, along with the evolution of design and production methods, permits the adoption of technological achievements and the embodiment of new features in products. Some of these features pertain to aesthetic attributes that make the key difference when competitive products are considered by customers and users. Evaluation of products with respect to these attributes may be done by forming proper criteria that could be used in engineering design process. In the present paper, four (4) distinct groups of criteria are presented that address multiple aesthetic aspects of products. The criteria can be used for the aesthetic evaluation of product alternatives in combination with other conventional criteria from the field of engineering design. These aesthetic criteria - which are presented analytically and their formulation is also explained - refer to issues such as form, materials, color and simplicity that attract the focus of consumers and product users before making their final choice. The merit gained from their application is exemplified through a case study of the evaluation of three (3) coffee machines, performed according to Pughâs Method.
Keywords: Decision making, industrial design, product aesthetics, product evaluation