Title: The Rasch probabilistic model for measuring affective responses to product features

Authors: Fabio R. Camargo; Brian Henson

Addresses: School of Mechanical Engineering, Institute of Engineering Systems and Design, University of Leeds, Woodhouse Lane, LS2 9JT, Leeds, UK. ' School of Mechanical Engineering, Institute of Engineering Systems and Design, University of Leeds, Woodhouse Lane, LS2 9JT, Leeds, UK

Abstract: Analysis for eliciting affective responses to product features can present shortcomings if fundamental measurement principles are violated. This paper overviews the concepts of an approach for human-centred product design to overcome the problem, namely the Rasch probabilistic model. The Rasch model consists of a systematic search process currently applied with intensive computing support. The paper shows that the model could enable the development of a frame of reference for measurement structures. This is possible because Rasch analysis validates a scale through of calibration, assessing invariance of items (independent variables), potential item bias, validity of category scoring system and fit of items to the model. As a result calibrated scales might be used in customised applications without loss of comparability.

Keywords: product design; human-product interaction; Rasch model; measurement; human-centred design; emotional design; affective design; experience design; human factors; product features; probabilistic modelling.

DOI: 10.1504/IJHFE.2012.048031

International Journal of Human Factors and Ergonomics, 2012 Vol.1 No.2, pp.204 - 219

Published online: 06 Aug 2014 *

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