Group Differences in Preferences for a Novel Nightstand

Abstract

Objective: Multiple user groups (patients and employees at a rehabilitation facility, community-dwelling seniors, and university students) participated in a study that examined their preferences for the features and functions of three novel nightstand prototypes. Background: It is valuable to get input from different user groups in order to improve furniture usefulness and usability, especially furniture prevalent in clinical settings where users of all age groups are found. Methods: Feedback was obtained from different user groups in both clinical (rehabilitation facility) and nonclinical (university) settings. This was done using structured interviews to ask participants about multiple features of the novel nightstand designs. Results: There were several features that all groups preferred. There were also some distinctly opposing opinions between groups. In general, the patient group showed the most similarities to the other groups. Conclusion: This research explores differences and similarities in preferences for nightstand design across a variety of user groups. It yields ideas for improving the nightstand design to be useful for a wider group of people.