Analysis of Differences in User Requirements for Child-Friendly Pocket Parks Based on the KANO–QFD Model: A Case Study of Nanjing, China

In the context of rapid urbanization, pocket parks have become an important component of urban green infrastructure, supporting residents’ daily recreation, health, and well-being. However, existing pocket park designs are largely shaped by adult designers’ perspectives, with children’s needs often inferred or assumed rather than directly investigated. From a sustainability and health-oriented perspective, this study aims to enhance the functionality and user satisfaction of pocket parks by incorporating child-friendly design elements grounded in actual user demands. Based on the KANO model—an approach used to classify user requirements according to their influence on satisfaction—and Quality Function Deployment (QFD), questionnaire data were collected from 97 children aged 6–12 and 87 parents through field investigations in multiple pocket parks in Nanjing, China. The analysis focused on key dimensions including safety, fun, comfort, and multifunctionality. The results revealed clear differences between children’s and parents’ requirements. Children’s satisfaction is mainly influenced by diverse play spaces and opportunities for interaction with natural elements, while parents place greater emphasis on environmental comfort and facility practicality. Safety was identified as a critical factor for children, whereas social interaction functions were considered relatively less important by both groups. Based on these findings, this study identifies key design priorities for child-friendly pocket parks and provides practical strategies to improve overall park quality and user satisfaction, contributing to healthier and more socially sustainable urban environments.