User-Driven Home Office Furniture Design for Young Designers: A Kano-TRIZ Integrated Methodology

Abstract

In the post-COVID-19 era, home office has become a global norm. This study investigates the functional needs, work habits, and aesthetic preferences of young designers (21 to 35 years old) concerning home office furniture, with the goal of developing user-centered solutions. The study systematically integrated data from observations and interviews with 6 designers, 142 questionnaires, and 89 KANO surveys. Building on this foundation, the KANO-TRIZ method was applied to achieve requirement prioritization and innovative design. A functional requirement card was created, containing 42 needs (e.g., desks, chairs, storage, etc.). Then, 23 key requirements were retained after filtering out low-priority items. Using TRIZ’s 40 inventive principles, design contradictions were addressed to generate solutions. Findings reveal a preference for practical, non-overly functional products. A customizable smart workspace design, integrating modular accessories and intelligent controls, was developed, achieving an average satisfaction rating of 4.3/5. After secondary optimization (storage space: 3.7/5), the solution fully met user needs, demonstrating substantial practical value.