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The aim of this research is to figure out design variables that have an effect on user satisfaction for the operation of automotive switch and to investigate the relative importance of the variables and the utility of attribute level. To achieve these goals, an empirical evaluation was made through operating of automotive switchs. First, five design variables were selected for the external design elements and the internal design variables of switch were chosen based on the opinions of design experts and previous studies. Next, an experiment was designed using the fractional factorial design for 18 alternatives by 5 design variables (stroke, peak force, drop force, angle of surface, and curvature) that affect user satisfaction. Then, the level of satisfaction of each alternative were evaluated on 100-point scale by 22 subjects. Finally, ANOVA was conducted to verify the significant level of the 5 design variables of the automotive switch. A conjoint analysis was used to investigate the relative importance of each design variable by the utility of attribute level. As a result, the design variables turned out to be of significant importance. Moreover, the result showed relative importance for each design variable and utility of attribute level. It is expected that the results of this study could be utilized to improve the affective quality of the automotive switch.

Objective: The objective of this study is to understand the effect of angle and curvature of push-return switches, which are external factors in the operation environment inside the cars, on the feel of operation and to propose optimum alternatives.Background: Customers' needs for products are changing from functional and performance aspects to customer-led type where customers can reflect on their needs on the products. The operation inside cars is executed by HMI. The push-return switch is utilized as the most intuitive mode of HMI; therefore, this push-return switch, which is widely used, has to be developed by assessing the preference and satisfaction of the customer.Method: The angle and curvatures, which are external factors that affect the feel of operation, are drawn through surveying the preceding research literatures. The stages to construct alternatives in experiments are as follows: (1) the tactile switch is replaced after dismantling the switch assembly to evaluate the internal characteristics proposed by preceding researches, (2) a drawing is prepared by using a design software, is printed using 3D printer, and then it is attached on the switch assembly, and (3) evaluation for satisfaction of operation is carried out by using a driving simulator.Results: Both the angle and curvature that are external factors of switch significantly affect the feel of operation. However, interaction between the two factors is found insignificant. Therefore, an optimum alternative is proposed considering the experimental outcomes.Conclusion: This study evaluates the satisfaction in operation that affects the feel of operation environment inside the cars. Based on the study results, a guideline for switch design in the center fascia is proposed.Application: This study is expected to be used as basic data for designing automotive switches, as well as switches in the industries similar with the operation environments of cars.