Measuring Product-Related Stigma in Design

Conference paper (2016)

Authors

Kristof Vaes Universiteit Antwerpen
P.J. Stappers Design Conceptualization and Communication - IDE
Achiel Standaert Universiteit Antwerpen
Research Group
Design Conceptualization and Communication (IDE) (TU Delft)
Copyright: © 2016 Kristof Vaes, P.J. Stappers, Achiel Standaert
Product Semantics Design and Emotion Inclusive Design Design for health
More Info
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Published Date

2016

Language

English

Faculty

Industrial Design Engineering

Department

Human-Centered Design

Research Group

Design Conceptualization and Communication

Abstract

Abstract: Many medical and assistive devices are experienced as unpleasant and uncomfortable. On top of their discomfort, product users may also experience social
unease. We label this process “product-related stigma” (PRS). This paper presents two measuring techniques that aim to objectively assess the
‘degree’ of PRS that is ‘attached’ to products. Both experiments focus on the behavioral deviations in the walking path of passers-by during a public and
unprepared encounter with a user of a stigma-sensitive product (dust mask). The ‘Dyadic Distance Experiment’ measures exact interpersonal distances, whereas
the ‘Stain Dilemma Experiment’ presents the passer-by with a choice in his walking path.

Both experimental techniques are predominantly suited as comparison tools, able to compare products on their PRS-eliciting potential.
Designers and developers can use these results to justify design decisions with quantitative data, to assess which product properties have influenced certain
reactions, and to what extent subsequent improvements have been successful.