A conceptual network analysis of user impressions and meanings of product materials in design

This paper focuses on tactile interactions with product materials to approach the essence of users’ interaction. We propose a framework for analysing tactile interactions based on users’ association-based in-depth impressions and interpretation-based created meanings. The aim of the study is to determine how in-depth impressions activate created meanings in tactile interaction and how they affect users’ preferences with regard to product materials. To detect and identify in-depth impressions and created meanings, this study applies original methods that analyse concept networks. To collect users’ freely expressed impressions and preferences, we conducted an experiment that involved seven material samples. The identified in-depth impressions and created meanings are connected with preference evaluations during a tactile interaction with product materials. According to the findings, the generation of fewer yet affect and abstraction-based in-depth impressions produces high-preference evaluations and gives rise to diverse created meanings with respect to a material. These findings should contribute to designs that lead users to form emotional bonds and gain meaningful experiences with products.