Customization of Products Assisted by Kansei Engineering, Sensory Analysis and Soft Computing

Abstract

This paper presents a new methodology aimed at making simpler the product/market fit process. We propose a user-centered approach inspired on the Oriental philosophy that is behind Kansei Engineering. In essence, we advocate for customization of products guided by users' expectations. Our proposal combines Sensory Analysis and Soft Computing techniques in order to uncover what users think but also what they feel and desire when facing new products. That is elicitation of the so-called kanseis or "psychological feelings". Then, we can design new prototypes that truly matter to people because they fit the deepest users' demands. Thus, improving innovation and marketing success rate. We have illustrated the details of our proposal in a case study related to gin packaging. © Springer International Publishing Switzerland 2014.