Exploring User Experience between Traditional and Contemporary Metaphorical Design in terms of Product Form and Interaction: A Case Study of the Development of a Food Processor

Abstract

As new electronic products are released annually, there is a growing trend among consumers to seek retro aesthetics. Therefore, it is necessary to explore methods for implementing emotions by incorporating traditional metaphors into new products. This study aims to explore the impact of past metaphorical designs in product form and interaction on user experience. To achieve this, we categorized product form and interaction into traditional and modern elements. Within the context of developing a next-generation food processor, we conducted an experiment using both real products and conceptual designs across four metaphor categories. The results were analyzed using analysis of variance (ANOVA) statistical methods, revealing that traditional metaphors are perceived as geometric, symmetrical, and somewhat impractical, whereas modern metaphors are seen as organic, less symmetrical, comfortable, and practical. Based on these findings, we propose a novel food processor that integrates traditional forms with modern interactions, which is also positively evaluated in terms of user experience. This study highlights the importance of leveraging traditional metaphors in product design and suggests the need for further exploration of their applicability across various product categories.