Design guidelines for smart kitchen appliances for the elderly / Li Yongchuan

Li , Yongchuan (2024) Design guidelines for smart kitchen appliances for the elderly / Li Yongchuan. PhD thesis, Universiti Malaya.

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Abstract

With an aging population and the rapid rise of smart technologies, smart kitchen appliances are now a popular choice in homes. However, designers have not adequately addressed the needs of the aging population. This has resulted in a lack of smart kitchen appliances suitable for the elderly, as existing kitchen appliances do not consider the perceptions and behaviour intentions of elderly users. These challenges hinder older individuals from bridging the digital divide and enhancing their quality of life. Hence, it is crucial to establish design guidelines for age-friendly kitchen appliances in order to design smart kitchen appliances that cater to the elderly. This study examined and analysed crucial design elements of smart kitchen appliances, research theories related to technology acceptance and the perception characteristics of the elderly. It proposed a model that elucidates the influence of smart kitchen appliance design elements on the perception and usage willingness of the elderly — essentially, a model of technology acceptance for smart kitchen appliances among the elderly. The formulation of design guidelines was informed by data collected from older users, designers and a literature analysis. To ensure the accuracy of the findings, a triangulation methodology was employed. The study was conducted in China, and it encompassed a comprehensive analysis of older user data, involving the distribution of questionnaires to a sample of 411 respondents in order to analyse the impact of various smart kitchen appliance design elements on older users' perceptions and willingness to use the appliances. In parallel, insights from designers were garnered through semi-structured interviews, This enriched the understanding of the detailed strategies that could be employed for smart kitchen appliance product design. Building upon this foundation, the study delved into design guidelines encompassing elements of smart kitchen appliance, namely product functions, visuals, ergonomics, brands and interactive interfaces, viewed through the lens of user perception. Specifically, the guidelines addressed user perception elements, namely perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, perceived pleasantness, technological anxiety and self-efficacy. Finally, the efficacy and applicability of the proposed design guidelines were validated through a validation square. Specifically, designers affirmed that the guidelines successfully balanced cutting-edge technology with a user-centred design approach catering to older users. The practicality of the guidelines was further substantiated through a case study centred around the design of a smart refrigerator. This study combined research on technology acceptance theory with smart product design methodologies, culminating in a comprehensive set of design guidelines for smart kitchen appliances tailored to the needs of the elderly. The research outcomes will empower companies specializing in smart kitchen appliances to thoughtfully consider and seamlessly integrate the unique perceptual characteristics of older users into all stages of design and development. Ultimately, the study's overarching objective is to expedite the acceptance and widespread utilization of smart kitchen appliances among elderly people, thereby elevating their overall quality of life.

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