Designing for aging on the move
A user-needs-driven approach to an optimized recreational vehicle (RV) scheme for older Chinese using an integrated Kano–AHP–QFD framework
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 22068614 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Yin Jing (0009-0003-8711-6179, Xiamen University), Sheng Yu (0009-0002-3683-6224, Xiamen University), Yongsheng Cheng (0000-0002-7091-070X, Xiamen University, corresponding author), Xinxin Yang (0000-0002-5162-5030, Xiamen University) |
| Year | 2026 |
| Volume | 14 |
| Pages | 1781423-1781423 |
| Publication date | 2026-04-14 |
| Peer Reviewed | Yes |
| Open Access | Yes |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | Frontiers in Public Health (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 2296-2565 • E-ISSN: 2296-2565 |
| Publisher | Frontiers Media SA (PUBLISHER • CH) |
| DOI | 10.3389/fpubh.2026.1781423 |
| PMID | 42058067 |
| OpenAlex | W7154059655 |
| Language | EN |
| References cited | 55 |
Introduction: Against the backdrop of an aging population and ongoing innovations in care models for older adults, travel-based retirement-an emerging lifestyle that integrates tourism and senior living-calls for age-friendly recreational vehicle (RV) designs to meet the diverse residential and mobility needs of older adults. In such mobile retirement contexts, this study aims to produce an optimized RV design scheme that enhances living comfort and functional adaptability for older adult users. Methods: First, data were gathered through online questionnaires and field interviews to uncover the core needs of older adult RV users. Then, these needs were classified using the Kano model into five types: must-be, one-dimensional, attractive, indifferent, and reverse. Next, the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) was used to prioritize these needs within a demand evaluation system. Subsequently, Quality Function Deployment (QFD) was applied to construct a House of Quality that maps user needs to product design characteristics and identifies key design indicators. Results: Based on the integrated analysis, we distilled six core design elements and developed three RV schemes tailored to older adult users. Finally, user evaluations helped determine the optimal scheme. Our findings demonstrate that the combined Kano-AHP-QFD approach effectively quantifies the demands of older adult users, enhancing design rigor and user satisfaction. Discussion: This methodological framework shows strong practical value in age-friendly RV development and offers a foundation for integrating intelligent technologies and human-centered care into future travel-based retirement schemes
Adaptability · Analytic hierarchy process · Population · Quality function deployment · Recreation · Software deployment · Color perception and design · Quality Function Deployment in Product Design · Technology Use by Older Adults
Analytic hierarchy process
Decision making with the analytic hierarchy process
Trends and Challenges for Population and Health During Population Aging — China, 2015–2050
Measurement and Control of Response Bias
Psychological restoration and transformative experiences of recreational vehicle tourists
Optimizing shared recreational vehicle service areas
Exploring the Relationship of Leisure Travel with Loneliness, Depression, and Cognitive Function in Older Adults
Tourism Experiences and Self-Rated Health Among Older Adults in China
Enjoyers’, ‘seekers’ and ‘vacationers’. Proposal for a typology of motorhome travellers in Europe
How Do Older Parents With One Child Live? The Well-Being of Chinese Elders Affected by the One-Child Policy
Is There Really a Difference? A Comparison of In-Person and Online Qualitative Interviews
| Citation velocity | historical |
|---|---|
| Highly cited | No |