Research on Innovative Design of Towable Caravans Integrating Kano-AHP and TRIZ Theories

Abstract

The caravan industry in China is facing significant challenges, primarily because the mode of caravan travel is relatively niche within the country and the industry as a whole has had a slow start. This has ultimately resulted in a mismatch between the design aesthetics of caravans and the preferences of Chinese consumers. Based on the foundation of understanding user preferences, this study proposes a new design methodology that integrates the Kano model, the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP), and TRIZ theory to align with the preferences of Chinese users. Initially, a Kano model is constructed based on the suggestions from experts and users to categorize user needs. Subsequently, the AHP method is employed to reclassify the key needs identified in the Kano model, establish judgment matrices, and develop a scoring system to provide a scientific basis for design decisions. Finally, TRIZ theory is applied to address potential physical and technical contradictions encountered during the design process, thereby developing practical and aesthetically pleasing caravan design solutions.