Title: Product envelopes: designing positive interplay between brand DNA and customer co-designers

Authors: Andy Bardill, Kate Herd, Mehmet Karamanoglu

Addresses: Product Design and Engineering, Middlesex University, Trent Park, Bramley Road, Oakwood, London N14 4YZ, UK. ' Product Design and Engineering, Middlesex University, Trent Park, Bramley Road, Oakwood, London N14 4YZ, UK. ' Product Design and Engineering, Middlesex University, Trent Park, Bramley Road, Oakwood, London N14 4YZ, UK

Abstract: This paper introduces the product envelope; a new concept which develops the notion and practice of the solution space into a more complete model to support the design of MC product solutions. The product envelope is presented as a model that encompasses the solution space at the core, where the givens and variables of a mass customisable product are described. However, the product envelope also encompasses the less tangible service, interaction and experience touch-points that surround, and provide access to, the tangible MC product that is at the core of the product envelope. A four pleasures analysis is used to reveal the complete model for the product envelope. This product envelope model provides a method whereby designers can take a systematic approach to enabling positive interplay between brand DNA and customer co-designers.

Keywords: mass customisation; design process; product envelopes; emotional ergonomics; pleasure; customer co-designers; brand DNA; four pleasures.

DOI: 10.1504/IJMASSC.2007.012813

International Journal of Mass Customisation, 2007 Vol.2 No.1/2, pp.57 - 75

Published online: 16 Mar 2007 *

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