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

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.