Kano Model-Based Product Design Integrating Iranian Culture and Lifestyle: (Case Study: Refrigerator-Freezer)

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

Department of Industrial Design, Faculty of Architecture and Urban Planning, Iran University of Science and Technology, Tehran, Iran.

Abstract

This research looks into how everyday cultural habits and lifestyle characteristics unique to Iranian society can shape the way household appliances, especially refrigerator-freezers, are designed. Appliances do more than just serve practical functions; they often reflect the identity, routines, and values of their users. With that in mind, the study set out to better understand what Iranian consumers need and prefer when it comes to storing food and using kitchen appliances. Researchers used the Kano model, a well-established approach for understanding customer satisfaction, to gather insights. A custom questionnaire with 15 pairs of questions, specifically focused on side-by-side refrigerator features, was given to 250 people from various regions of Iran. From that group, 141 valid responses were collected and examined. The feedback was sorted into six key categories based on how each feature affected satisfaction. Of the various elements studied, four stood out as particularly crucial, reflecting deep cultural and lifestyle connections. One of the key findings was that Iranians tend to store both cooked and raw ingredients in large quantities a behavior shaped by traditional cooking styles, household structures, and shopping routines. These patterns suggest that to truly meet local expectations and needs, refrigerator design should be closely aligned with the everyday realities of Iranian households.

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References

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Journal of Design Thinking
Volume 5, Issue 2
December 2024
Pages 255-266

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