Identifying key quality features for wearable technology embedded products using the Kano model

Abstract

PurposeThe purpose of this study was to identify the major quality features of wearable technology embedded products that have the greatest impact on consumer satisfaction using the Kano model, an organized approach to specify consumer requirements and expectation through a preference classification technique.Design/methodology/approachUsing a quantitative research method, an online survey was conducted with a convenience sample of US consumers aged between 19 years old and over. A total of otal 471 useable data were obtained and used for the data analysis.FindingsThis study identified that the 11 quality features of wearables belong to one-dimensional quality category among the five Kano categories, although the impact of each quality feature's performance on consumer satisfaction varies. The results also showed that the performance level of durability, long battery life, usability, product safety, comfortability and reasonable price has the greatest impact on consumer satisfaction of wearables.Research limitations/implicationsThis study has implications for future research by integrating the Kano model with other design and product development related theoretical models when designing, developing and evaluating various wearable products.Originality/valueThis study quantified the key quality features of wearables using the Kano model, which can be a great measurement tool for future researchers to adopt in their studies. The findings of this study help designers, developers and producers of wearables to prioritize the quality features during the product design, development and manufacturing process.

Evaluation of face masks quality features using Kano model and unsupervised machine learning technique

“…In Table 5, the summary was tabulated. Salahuddin and Lee (2020) used 0.8 as a threshold value for CS index in their study. Viral protection, lightweight, comfortability, breathability, eco-friendly, sweat repelling, reusability and high seam strength had CS (+) value greater than 0.8 which means increasing the performance level of these features will increase the CS more than other features and these features are the most important ones among other O category features.…”

“…To categorize individual responses for each feature a matrix was used which was made by taking A, O, I, M, R and Q definitions into consideration. The matrix is given in Table 3, which was adapted from (Salahuddin and Lee, 2020). For example, in a pair of questions, if the respondent marks the functional question as “Neutral” and the dysfunctional question as “Neutral” this indicates the feature is I category.…”

“…Previous studies were conducted to improve the features of a face mask breathability, reusability and improving the filtration efficiency against COVID-important 2-5 m m range using multiple layers of fabric (Salahuddin and Lee, 2020). A good breathable mask can help in smooth breathing while multiple layers can ensure higher protection if it could be manufactured in a crafty way.…”

“…When they are present customer becomes delighted but their absence does not dissatisfy a customer. The popularity of these features is considered short-term, then turns into a must be category or just disappear (Salahuddin and Lee, 2020). Indifferent (I): These type of features do not affect the satisfaction or dissatisfaction.…”

“…This model is being used in various fields to identify the customer’s desired quality feature for various products or services. Kano model has been applied to figure out the customer’s desired features of wearable electronics (Salahuddin and Lee, 2020), mobile apps (Gimpel et al , 2021), airport service (Tseng, 2020), hospital service (Barrios-Ipenza et al , 2021) and others. But no study has been found to find out the customers desired features for a mask which is being used extensively nowadays.…”