Title: Cultural differences in product design: a study of differences between the South Korean and the Dutch kitchen environment

Authors: K.R. De Leur, J.W. Drukker, H.H.C.M. Christiaans, T.R.A. De Rijk

Addresses: Faculty of Industrial Design Engineering, Delft University of Technology, Landbergstraat 15, 2628 CE Delft, The Netherlands. ' Faculty of Industrial Design Engineering, Delft University of Technology, Landbergstraat 15, 2628 CE Delft, The Netherlands. ' Faculty of Industrial Design Engineering, Delft University of Technology, Landbergstraat 15, 2628 CE Delft, The Netherlands. ' Faculty of Industrial Design Engineering, Delft University of Technology, Landbergstraat 15, 2628 CE Delft, The Netherlands

Abstract: Several studies show that cultural variation is reflected in products and their use. The study presented here will offer a case, which might be representative for people|s daily life activities, i.e., the home kitchen. Dutch and Korean kitchen environment was investigated on cultural differences and similarities. A focus group method was used in combination with cultural probes. The study shows that cultural diversity is reflected in products and product experience of the kitchen environment. Understanding the needs, tasks and environments of the people for whom products are designed is the key for cross-cultural product design.

Keywords: culture; cultural diversity; focus groups; cultural probes; kitchen environment; cross-cultural product design; South Korea; The Netherlands.

DOI: 10.1504/JDR.2006.010794

Journal of Design Research, 2006 Vol.5 No.1, pp.16 - 33

Published online: 04 Sep 2006 *

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