Short answer

Systematically consider the underlying values that drive user emotions and preferences, and translate these into specific, measurable product attributes throughout the design process.

Field
User-Centred Design
Source
SAM, the Arts et Métiers ParisTech open access repository (Paris Institute of Technology) (2014)
Method
Conceptual framework development and knowledge structuring.
Evidence
Moderate effect

By mapping abstract user values to functional product attributes, designers can create more emotionally resonant and desirable products. This user-centred design research insight is drawn from a 2014 study published in SAM, the Arts et Métiers ParisTech open access repository (Paris Institute of Technology). Using Conceptual framework development and knowledge structuring., researchers explored how this design variable affects real-world outcomes. The key design takeaway: Systematically consider the underlying values that drive user emotions and preferences, and translate these into specific, measurable product attributes throughout the design process.

Study
User-Centred DesignHigh ImpactModerate effect

Translating Abstract Values into Concrete Product Attributes

By mapping abstract user values to functional product attributes, designers can create more emotionally resonant and desirable products.

SAM, the Arts et Métiers ParisTech open access repository (Paris Institute of Technology) · 2014

01

Key Findings

  • 01Sociological values represent the most abstract level of Kansei information.
  • 02A value-function-product attribute chain can enrich design generation and evaluation.
  • 03Non-hierarchical knowledge structures can be implemented using ontologies and bag-of-words.
02

Application

Design takeaway

Systematically consider the underlying values that drive user emotions and preferences, and translate these into specific, measurable product attributes throughout the design process.

How to apply

When defining product requirements, start by identifying the core values your target users aspire to. Then, brainstorm product functions that support these values, and finally, detail the specific product attributes that enable these functions.

Project actions

  • 01When researching user needs, go beyond surface-level requests to uncover underlying values.
  • 02Use mind maps or concept maps to visually link user values to product features.
03

Method & Evidence

AimHow can abstract user values be formalized and integrated into design processes to inform the generation and evaluation of product attributes?
MethodConceptual framework development and knowledge structuring.
ProcedureThe research proposes a chain of value-function-product attributes to formalize designer knowledge. It describes knowledge structures and formalisms, potentially implementable with ontologies and bag-of-words, to integrate design information in a non-hierarchical manner for early design stages.
ContextProduct design and computer-aided design tools.

Variables

IVUser values, Kansei information levels (abstract to concrete).
DVProduct attributes, design generation and evaluation outcomes.
CVSpecific product domain, user demographics.
04

Strengths & Limitations

Strengths

  • +Provides a structured method for integrating emotional and value-based design considerations.
  • +Offers a potential pathway for computer-aided design tools to support early-stage ideation.

Limitations

It can be challenging to definitively link specific product attributes to abstract user values without extensive user testing.

Reliability & validity

Reliability would depend on consistent application of the value-function-attribute mapping. Validity would be assessed by how well the resulting designs meet user emotional and functional needs.

Think critically

To what extent can a purely formal system capture the subjective and nuanced nature of human values and emotions in design?

05

Design Principles

"Design should bridge the abstract desires of users with concrete product features through a structured value-function-attribute mapping."

Understanding the link between deep-seated user values and tangible product features is crucial for effective product development. This approach allows for the systematic generation and evaluation of design concepts that align with user aspirations, leading to products that are not only functional but also emotionally satisfying.

06

What This Means for Your Design

Think about what people *really* want (their values), then figure out what the product needs to *do* (functions) to give them that, and finally, decide on the specific *features* (attributes) the product will have to make it happen.

How to use in your project

  • 1.Use the value-function-product attribute chain as a framework for user research analysis and design justification.
07

Add to My Project

08

Quick Cite

Paragraph starter

This design project adopts a user-centred approach by recognizing that user values are fundamental drivers of emotional response and product desirability. By employing a value-function-product attribute chain, the design process systematically translates abstract user aspirations into concrete product features, ensuring that the final design resonates with the target audience on a deeper, emotional level.

09

Source

SAM, the Arts et Métiers ParisTech open access repository (Paris Institute of Technology)

About the nature of Kansei information, from abstract to concrete

journal · 2014

View source

Questions About This Research

What does the research say about translating abstract values into concrete product attributes?
Systematically consider the underlying values that drive user emotions and preferences, and translate these into specific, measurable product attributes throughout the design process. Evidence: SAM, the Arts et Métiers ParisTech open access repository (Paris Institute of Technology) (2014).
Why does "Translating Abstract Values into Concrete Product Attributes" matter for design?
Understanding the link between deep-seated user values and tangible product features is crucial for effective product development. This approach allows for the systematic generation and evaluation of design concepts that align with user aspirations, leading to products that are not only functional but also emotionally satisfying.
How can designers apply this research?
Systematically consider the underlying values that drive user emotions and preferences, and translate these into specific, measurable product attributes throughout the design process.
What were the main findings?
Sociological values represent the most abstract level of Kansei information.. A value-function-product attribute chain can enrich design generation and evaluation.. Non-hierarchical knowledge structures can be implemented using ontologies and bag-of-words.
What research method was used?
Conceptual framework development and knowledge structuring..
How strong is the evidence?
Evidence strength is rated Moderate effect, based on a 2014 journal from SAM, the Arts et Métiers ParisTech open access repository (Paris Institute of Technology).
What should I do differently in my next project?
When defining product requirements, start by identifying the core values your target users aspire to. Then, brainstorm product functions that support these values, and finally, detail the specific product attributes that enable these functions.
What are the limitations?
The proposed formalisms are conceptual and require further algorithmic implementation and validation.