Smart Kitchen Counter Innovation for Elderly Users Based on Quality Function Deployment and Internet of Things System

This study aims to design and develop a kitchen counter product for elderly users by applying the Quality Function Deployment (QFD) technique to address user requirements. The study began with a survey of elderly users’ needs, including design, facilities, usability, product quality, and materials. The collected data was analyzed using the QFD product planning matrix and the design deployment matrix to translate customer requirements into technical design specifications. The results indicated that the participants reported a mean perceived satisfaction score of 4.42 out of 5.00 after observing a demonstration of the prototype and its functions in an actual kitchen environment. The five product attributes with the highest satisfaction scores were lighting within overhead cabinet storage compartments, operational safety, ease of maintenance, structural strength, and electrical outlet safety systems, with mean scores of 4.62, 4.57, 4.56, 4.54, and 4.53, respectively. These findings demonstrate that Quality Function Deployment (QFD) is an effective approach for translating user requirements into product design, particularly in the development of kitchen counter products for elderly users. The resulting design was perceived as having the potential to improve safety and convenience for elderly users during kitchen activities. However, further hands-on usability and long-term field testing are required to verify its effectiveness under actual use conditions.