Short answer

Design and market athleisure products with a dual focus on demonstrable functionality and appealing aesthetics, recognizing that different consumer segments (e.g., by gender) will weigh these factors differently.

Field
Innovation & Markets
Source
Sustainability (2023)
Method
Quantitative Survey
Sample
400 participants
Evidence
Moderate effect

Athleisure product design must prioritize both clear functional purpose and aesthetic considerations, with specific attention to gender-based preferences, to foster customer loyalty and market growth. This innovation & markets research insight is drawn from a 2023 study published in Sustainability. Using Quantitative survey with 400 participants, researchers explored how this design variable affects real-world outcomes. The key design takeaway: Design and market athleisure products with a dual focus on demonstrable functionality and appealing aesthetics, recognizing that different consumer segments (e.g., by gender) will weigh these factors differently.

Study
Innovation & MarketsRecentModerate effect

Functionality and Aesthetic Appeal Drive Athleisure Repurchase Intentions

Athleisure product design must prioritize both clear functional purpose and aesthetic considerations, with specific attention to gender-based preferences, to foster customer loyalty and market growth.

Sustainability · 2023

01

Key Findings

  • 01Perceived purpose of use and functionality are critical determinants of repurchase intention.
  • 02Male customers prioritize essential product attributes, while female customers value integration into daily life and aesthetics.
  • 03Gender-specific satisfaction levels with product attributes were observed.
02

Application

Design takeaway

Design and market athleisure products with a dual focus on demonstrable functionality and appealing aesthetics, recognizing that different consumer segments (e.g., by gender) will weigh these factors differently.

How to apply

When designing new athleisure lines, conduct user research to identify key functional requirements and aesthetic trends. Develop distinct product variations or marketing messages that cater to the identified preferences of male and female consumers.

Project actions

  • 01When researching a product, consider how different user groups might perceive its functionality and appearance.
  • 02Think about how to tailor your design solutions or marketing messages to appeal to specific demographics.
  • 03Ensure your research methodology allows for the collection of data that can highlight these differences.
03

Method & Evidence

AimWhat factors influence Korean customers' intentions to repurchase athleisure wear, and how do these differ between genders?
MethodQuantitative Survey
ProcedureA survey was administered to collect data on customer repurchase intentions for athleisure wear. The survey instrument was developed based on a comprehensive literature review. Statistical analysis was performed on the collected data.
Sample400 participants
ContextAthleisure market in South Korea

Variables

IV["Perceived purpose of use","Functionality","Aesthetics","Gender"]
DVIntention to repurchase athleisure wear
CV["Market (South Korea)","Product type (Athleisure wear)"]
04

Strengths & Limitations

Strengths

  • +Utilized a statistically determined sample size for robust analysis.
  • +Based survey design on existing literature, ensuring relevance.
  • +Identified distinct gender-based preferences.

Limitations

A small sample size or a limited geographic scope can restrict the generalizability of findings. Focusing only on repurchase intent might overlook other crucial factors like initial purchase drivers.

Reliability & validity

The study's reliability could be enhanced by using validated scales for measuring repurchase intention and perceived product attributes. Validity is supported by the literature-based survey design and the identification of distinct gender-based preferences, suggesting the study measures what it intends to.

Think critically

To what extent do other demographic factors (e.g., age, income, activity level) influence the perceived importance of functionality versus aesthetics in athleisure wear, and how could these be integrated into a more comprehensive design strategy?

05

Design Principles

"Design for diverse user needs by balancing core functional performance with adaptable aesthetic qualities, and segment marketing efforts accordingly."

Understanding the nuanced drivers of repurchase intention is crucial for brands aiming for sustainable growth in the competitive athleisure market. Tailoring product development and marketing strategies to address both functional needs and diverse aesthetic preferences, particularly across genders, can significantly enhance customer satisfaction and repeat business.

06

What This Means for Your Design

To get people to buy your athleisure clothes again, make sure they work well for what they're supposed to do and look good. Also, remember that guys and girls might care about different things – guys want the basics to be good, and girls want it to fit their life and look stylish.

How to use in your project

  • 1.Use this insight to justify focusing on specific user needs or market segments in your design project.
  • 2.Cite this research when discussing the importance of functionality and aesthetics in product design, particularly for apparel.
07

Add to My Project

08

Quick Cite

Paragraph starter

This study highlights the critical role of both functionality and aesthetic appeal in driving customer repurchase intentions within the athleisure market. Findings indicate that while core functionality is universally important, gender-specific preferences exist, with male consumers prioritizing essential attributes and female consumers valuing lifestyle integration and aesthetics. This suggests that successful athleisure product design and marketing strategies must be nuanced, addressing diverse consumer priorities to foster sustained market growth and customer loyalty.

09

Source

Sustainability

A Study on Korean Customers’ Intentions to Repurchase for the Sustainable Growth of the Athleisure Market

journal · 2023

View source

Questions About This Research

What does the research say about functionality and aesthetic appeal drive athleisure repurchase intentions?
Design and market athleisure products with a dual focus on demonstrable functionality and appealing aesthetics, recognizing that different consumer segments (e.g., by gender) will weigh these factors differently. Evidence: Sustainability (2023).
Why does "Functionality and Aesthetic Appeal Drive Athleisure Repurchase Intentions" matter for design?
Understanding the nuanced drivers of repurchase intention is crucial for brands aiming for sustainable growth in the competitive athleisure market. Tailoring product development and marketing strategies to address both functional needs and diverse aesthetic preferences, particularly across genders, can significantly enhance customer satisfaction and repeat business.
How can designers apply this research?
Design and market athleisure products with a dual focus on demonstrable functionality and appealing aesthetics, recognizing that different consumer segments (e.g., by gender) will weigh these factors differently.
What were the main findings?
Perceived purpose of use and functionality are critical determinants of repurchase intention.. Male customers prioritize essential product attributes, while female customers value integration into daily life and aesthetics.. Gender-specific satisfaction levels with product attributes were observed.
What research method was used?
Quantitative Survey with 400 participants.
How strong is the evidence?
Evidence strength is rated Moderate effect, based on a 2023 journal from Sustainability.
What should I do differently in my next project?
When designing new athleisure lines, conduct user research to identify key functional requirements and aesthetic trends. Develop distinct product variations or marketing messages that cater to the identified preferences of male and female consumers.
What are the limitations?
The study focused solely on the South Korean market, and findings may not be generalizable to other cultural contexts. The study did not explore the impact of price or brand loyalty extensively.