How Products Satisfy Needs Beyond the Functional: Empathy Supporting Consumer-Product Relationships

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapter

Abstract

Design is beginning to be viewed as an important value proposition within the context of business, thanks to companies such as Apple Computers and OXO Good Grips™ that have managed to satisfy consumers beyond the functional. Apple Computers sell lifestyle convenience through intuitive interfaces, and have managed to bridge the gap between technology and the lived experience. OXO Good Grips™ have introduced an assistive technology that does not carry a stigma. Millions of consumers benefit from Good Grips™ products without necessarily realizing they were initially inspired by and designed for people with arthritis. If such products were sold as assistive technology items (disability aids) it is extremely unlikely that they would have become so ubiquitous.
Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationRoutledge Companion to Design Studies
EditorsPenny Sparke, Fiona Fisher
Place of PublicationNew York
PublisherRoutledge
Pages218-241
ISBN (Print)9781138780507
StatePublished - Jun 21 2016

Publication series

NameRoutledge Art History and Visual Studies Companions

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