Freeform Shape Variables of Product Designs and Their Correlation to Subjective Criteria

Compared to other parameters in product design, visually relevant shape parameters strongly determine the success of a product in the market. Since designers are responsible for the visual appearance of the product, they tend to be critical in their decisions concerning the type and the values of the shape parameters. However, it is not fully understood how the relevant parameters types can be determined and what the effect of their variation is. In two experiments, shape parameters were manipulated and customers indicated their preferred setting using different experimental paradigms. These preference scores may be considered to represent the judgement of aesthetic quality by potential customers. The results clearly show that preference as function of shape parameters can be determined. A method for shape deformation, and suggestions concerning possible improvements and applications are reported. When a large group of respondents can be involved in the assessments, using a web based tool, the method can be effective in conceptual product shape design.