Design Preferences and Consumer's Selection Principles

This study describes research into Malaysian household furniture. The principal purpose of this study was to explore the design criteria employed by designers, design managers, professionals and the selection principles used by urban consumers residing in different regions of Malaysia. In pursuing this research, several target groups were surveyed and interviewed (survey questionnaires and interview methods). The target groups were consumers, designers, manufacturers, retailers and renowned individuals and agencies. The objectives of this research were as following; identifying the consumer's needs and want that lead to their selection principles. Secondly to isolate the designers constraints and criteria (design criteria and styles) and finally to find the importance of the design and product values, design dimensions and attributes that can be favorably accepted in the consumers life-style and environment.