Research on the Preference of the Elderly on Design Elements of Ming­style Furniture

Abstract

Background : In the 21st century, most developed countries and some developing countries in the world have already faced the aging of their populations, furniture design for elderly consumers has become more important. The elderly generally prefer traditional furniture. Ming-style furniture is the most representative traditional furniture which has an influence on modern furniture design. Therefore, this study aims to analyze which design elements of Ming-style furniture that the elderly prefer and how they can be typified. Methods : This study adopts a questionnaire survey method to analyze the preferences of elderly Chinese for Ming-style furniture. In addition, Q methodology is used to explore the design factors and characteristics that contribute to these preferences. Results : The elderly are divided into four types according to the results of Q methodology. The first type of the elderly are mostly middle-income people living in cities and towns, who are retired workers and technicians of general institutions. They emphasize that "Ming-style furniture focuses on health and comfort.” The second category of seniors enjoys an above-average standard of living, living in urban or suburban areas. These people are civil servants and technicians who have retired. Being detail-oriented, they are more in favor of "the moderate decoration and flexible technique of Ming-style furniture.” The third kind of the elderly are financially successful who have certain aesthetic awareness. Those people live in big cities, and mostly are retired senior executives and industrial capitalists. They are attracted by "the concise outline and exquisite structure of Ming-style furniture.” The fourth category is low-income elderly living in rural areas, mostly farmers and artisans. They pay attention to "the rigorous and scientific structure, and reasonable tenon of Ming-style furniture.” Conclusion : This study has discussed the preferences of the elderly for Ming-style furniture design as well as the elements that influence their decisions. Their lifestyles, income, and education attainment all can exert influence on their preferences in regard to Ming-style furniture design elements. These research findings can provide some guidance for designers and manufacturers to meet the need of elderly users for Ming-style furniture design and improve the user satisfaction of elderly furniture.