| Abstract: | The look-and-feel of the mobile phone was investigated using a consumer survey. Seventy-eight participants evaluated the design of 50 different mobile telephones on the perceived scale of image/impression characteristics, including: luxuriousness, simplicity, attractiveness, colourfulness, texture, delicacy, harmoniousness, salience, rigidity, and overall satisfaction. Stepwise multiple linear regression analysis were used to evaluate results. The results showed that the image and impression characteristics of the products were closely related to the human-product interface specifications as well as overall shape of the product. Design variables such as texture, use of surface curvature, surface treatment, operating sound, and control response ratio were perceived as important by customers. This study also suggested a series of statistical processes for selecting and screening the critical design variables closely related to the customer's impression of a product. The product evaluation and analysis methods could be generalized to other consumer products. |
