The relationship between the user and manufacturers has gradually changed in recent years. The manufacturer has to be more sensitive to their product users' satisfaction than ever before because market situation becomes competitive. The user can choose a preferable product among a variety of choices in relation to his/her specific needs. Thus the manufacturer has to pay much attention to user-satisfaction design through needs embodiment.
One of major objectives of the study is to establish the basic concept of user satisfaction design which aims to develop the ultimate product design to satisfy the end user through the embodiment of their needs. As the first step, the nature of needs, i.e. definition, importance, classfication and assessment methods, has been studied. The new classification of needs in terms of time and visibility has been achieved. : visible current needs ; invisible current needs ; visible future needs ; and invisible future needs. A comprehensive definition of user satisfaction design in relation to similar terms 'user centered design', 'user participatory design' has been prepared. A series of field studies including in-depth interviews with designers and managers in major Korean corporations has been performed to identify the current states and major problems of user satisfaction design in Korea.
Major findings of the study can be summarized as follows : First, the concept of user satisfaction design can be helpful for enhancing the manufacturer's competitiveness because it is useful for satisfying the end-user's needs through product design. ; Second, In organizational aspects, possible communication gaps between the designer and related departmental functions, i.e. marketing, engineering, R&D, etc., in terms of embodying the user needs, can be filled. ; Third, the using of relevant methods for identifying user needs suggested in the study is highly recommended. The comprehensive needs list and USI(User Satisfaction Index) which are developed in the study can be used as a reference to embody user needs. The list also can be used as a guideline for whole product development process. The USI is a tool for evaluating how the user needs are fulfilled in the product design.
