Research on age-friendly kitchen cabinet design based on the Kano-QFD-FBS model

In home-based elder care, kitchen cabinets serve a critical function in the daily lives of older adults. However, most cabinets currently available in the Chinese furniture market are designed for young and middle-aged users, neglecting the specific requirements of the elderly population. To improve user satisfaction with age-friendly kitchen cabinet products, this study proposed a conceptual design method based on the Kano-QFD-FBS integration model. First, customer requirements were identified through behavioral observation and in-depth interviews, then systematically categorized and prioritized using the Kano model. Subsequently, Quality Function Deployment (QFD) was employed to translate customer requirements into actionable design requirements. Finally, the seven key design elements derived from this process were incorporated into the Function-Behavior-Structure (FBS) model to determine the product’s structural components. This integrated approach enables a precise mapping from customer requirements to design elements, facilitating the development of age-friendly kitchen cabinet concepts. The study demonstrates the feasibility and effectiveness of the Kano-QFD-FBS model in age-friendly design research, providing valuable guidance and innovative perspectives for age-friendly kitchen design in China.