Overview of the Results
1: Validate the importance of configurator design in the success of MC. This research confirmed that configurator design is one of the important factors that influence consumer purchase intention of customised products. Specifically, the quality of information provided on the configurator is a key dimension.
2: Identify a framework of positive and negative Influences of online MC design on consumer experience, which can be explained from four aspects: effects of customisation, interaction, information quality and others.
3: Develop a functional evaluation model for MC design. This study proposed an Online 3D Mass Customisation Toolkit Evaluation Model to assess online 3D configurator design with the focus on consumer experience and underlying technical supports and their influences on the design of 3D configurators.
4: Apply the model to assess online MC configurator design to inspire the best practice. The assessment indicated that current 3D configurator design was still at an early development stage and open research questions were identified.
Work has been done
1. Research methods: a variety of research methods have been carried out, including observation, interview, think aloud, online questionnaire and content analysis. They help to lay the research foundation and gather useful date from consumers.
2. Training: included themed training and spontaneous training in regular project meetings. The Fellow gained necessary knowledge and technical skills from the host and industry partner who also learned from the Fellow about methods of engaging consumers in a satisfying way.
3. Dissemination:
a) Project website: a website dedicated to this project has been developed. It is used to display relevant information and update the latest research news. The prototype developed in this research is also hosted on the website.
b) Conferences and workshop: the Fellow attended and presented in two international conferences and one research workshop. Both conferences had business committees and many participants were from industry. This helped to deliver the impact and gain useful feedbacks.
c) Public engagement: the Fellow attended the public engagement event Festival of Learning. A wide range of audience attended this event. The Fellow prepared art and craft materials for children to design their own cups and talked to the adult participants about the project and invited them to design a product using online configurators.
d) Outreach students: the Fellow was invited to give a guest lecture and two seminars to MA students at Bournemouth University. The Fellow talked about the latest development in mass customisation and the results that have been achieved in this project. In the seminar, the Fellow showcased the prototype and asked for comments.
e) Publications: the Fellow has got two journal publications; two conference publications and presentations; one poster presentation.
Exploitation
1.Prototype: supported by Uformia’s technology, the prototype provides consumers with the opportunity of designing a cup through interactions with sliders. It is open accessible for public.
2.Uformia: was updated with the progress and results through project meetings, emails and scheduled training sessions. The results of this project help them to optimise their products to provide better technical support for online MC configurators.
