An emotional design approach to luxury in superyacht interior design

S. McCartan, L. Moody, Deana C McDonagh

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

Abstract

Superyacht interior design from an industrial design perspective is about understanding the needs of the client. Designers must examine the contemporary understanding of the term luxury in the context of interior design from the cultural perspective of the client. Clients want design functionality and usability as well as products that elicit other feelings such as luxury and pleasure. Emotional design involves developing an understanding of user characteristics, expectations, desires and needs, translating them into a sensitive and balanced design solution. This paper presents a design case study, which applied a methodology framework for emotional design to a superyacht interior for a Chinese client. The design study was carried out by a group of Chinese industrial design students in order to elucidate the appropriate cultural perspective on luxury, which was then used to inform the interior design process. This design study was developed as part of EBDIG (European Boat Design Innovation Group) and EU Leonardo funded research project with the objective of developing training material for the European marine industry. The design output presented demonstrates a significant engagement with emotional design supported by the framework, which enabled luxury to be elucidated visually in a cultural context, as a tool to inform the interior design process for a specific persona. The students explained the significance of colour and form, and the rationale for the design detail. This study will help European design consultancies gain a cultural perspective on the idiosyncrasies of luxury in China, which will inform their design practice.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationRINA, Royal Institution of Naval Architects - International Conference on Design, Construction and Operation of Super and Mega Yachts, Papers
PublisherRoyal Institution of Naval Architects
Pages93-100
Number of pages8
ISBN (Print)9781905040841
DOIs
StatePublished - 2011
EventInternational Conference on Design, Construction and Operation of Super and Mega Yachts - Genoa, Italy
Duration: May 5 2011May 6 2011

Publication series

NameRINA, Royal Institution of Naval Architects - International Conference on Design, Construction and Operation of Super and Mega Yachts, Papers

Other

OtherInternational Conference on Design, Construction and Operation of Super and Mega Yachts
Country/TerritoryItaly
CityGenoa
Period5/5/115/6/11

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Automotive Engineering
  • Mechanical Engineering

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'An emotional design approach to luxury in superyacht interior design'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this