Design factors and functionality matching in sustainability products: A study of eco-showerheads. (20th January 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Adeyeye, Kemi; She, Kaiming; Baïri, Abderrahmane
• Is Part Of: Journal of cleaner production. Volume 142:Part 4(2017)
• Page Start: 4214
• Page End: 4229
• Publication Date: 2017-01-20
• Subjects: Product design -- Product performance -- Product preferences -- Sustainability -- User study -- Water efficiency; Factory and trade waste -- Management -- Periodicals; Manufactures -- Environmental aspects -- Periodicals; Déchets industriels -- Gestion -- Périodiques; Usines -- Aspect de l'environnement -- Périodiques; 628.5
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jclepro.2016.11.143
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0959-6526

Abstract

Abstract: The Demystifying the Shower Experience research project is a comprehensive multi-stage study aimed at understanding the multi-dimensional aspects of the shower, including; showering products, habits, behaviour and perceptions. The objective was to determine: if a functionality mismatch occurs between the design and desired functionality of the product, and what specific factors contribute to this mismatch. To achieve the aim, simple heuristic trials packaged as a 12 showerheads in 12 weeks Challenge were conducted involving 12 participants – 6 male and 6 female. It was found that showerhead design factors such as colour, shape and size are inconclusive in determining the water efficient use, and perception of a positive shower experience. However, factors such as the number of function inform user choice and preference of which showerhead to choose and use. Further, sprout type and mode of operation both influence user perception of the performance factors such as feel, pleasantness, enjoyability, time taken and effectiveness of clean. And these factors in turn significantly affect the user perception of what constitutes a 'good' shower experience. It was also found that a functionality mismatch does occur in sustainability products if performance, and not design factors, fail to meet with user expectations. This work is novel because few, if any, studies of this nature have specifically been undertaken outside of the laboratory environment, and significant because the findings highlight the importance and influence of the physical design and performance-informing features on the user perception of the product itself. And for showerheads, this affects the satisfaction with the resulting showering experience and, therefore the propensity to use less water in the shower for an effective clean. Highlights: Showerhead design factors influence how users perceive and experience its performance and inform water use efficiency. Performance functionality mismatch; poor acceptance, inefficient use can occur in sustainability products e.g. showerheads. Water efficient (sustainability) products, therefore needs to be designed with user performance definitions in mind. This is to ensure that the sustainable product is fully accepted, adopted and sustainable-in-use.