Effect of Product Prototyping on the Purchase Intention of BJ50 Among 3-Wheeler Tuk-Tuk Users in Laikipia County, Kenya

This study examined the effect of product prototyping on the purchase intention of the BJ50 tuk-tuk among three-wheeler tuk-tuk users in Laikipia County, Kenya. Utilizing a descriptive research design, the study collected quantitative data through a structured questionnaire conducted with a census of 149 tuk-tuk operators. Guided by the Quality Function Deployment (QFD) model, the research investigated how customer feedback involvement, feature-based prototyping, and rapid prototyping influence purchase intention. Descriptive and inferential analyses reveal that active customer involvement in the prototyping process, including the integration of their feedback, significantly enhances purchase intention. A correlation coefficient (R) of 0.288 and regression model results (p = 0.001) confirm a statistically significant relationship, with product prototyping explaining 8.3% of the variance in purchase intention. The study concludes that prototyping fosters a customer-centered approach, aligning product features with user needs, building trust, and ultimately driving purchase decisions. It recommends investing in advanced prototyping technologies, iterative refinement based on customer feedback, and leveraging social media to create an engaged community around the product. These strategies can enhance product-market alignment and increase purchase intent. Keywords: Product prototyping, Purchase intention, BJ50 tuk-tuk, Customer engagement, Design thinking