Design for experience: An analysis of the Irish Creative Industry

Abstract

In this paper we report on the results of an exploratory study that investigated the experiences of key informants from SMEs in the Irish creative sector that are involved in design. A purposive sample of 56 small firms was surveyed in order to better understand the nature of design in responding companies; the type of tools used to capture customer requirements and feelings and whether the individual respondent appreciates emotional design in products. The contributions of this research are twofold; a better understanding of the nature of design and associated practices in creative SMEs and an appreciation of whether design for emotion is important to the target audience. Results of the study indicate that there is a desire to reap the benefits of design for emotion, however specific methods and tools are not used to capture users latent needs, wants and expectations. It can be concluded that gathering information and producing knowledge about appropriate methods and tools can have some tangible benefits for SMEs.