Consumers' Tactile Images of Foam Sofa Cushions

摘要

This study examined consumers' tactile images of foam sofa cushions. Firstly, the authors sought to understand the manufacturing process for sofa cushions by interviewing some sofa manufacturers and five popular types of foam sofa cushions were produced. The hardness, density and elasticity of the samples were then assessed by analyzing their physical properties. Thirdly, consumers' tactile images were analyzed using a Semantic Differential Method and the results for physical properties and psychological experience were compared using Statistical Methods in order to assess consumers' tactile images. The results were as follows: 1. The tactile images of different layers of foam structures were identified as “stable" for Single-Layered Foam, "comfortable and stable" for Double-Layered Foam, and "comfortable, flexible and stable" for Multi-Layered Foam. 2. Experiments to determine tactile images demonstrated that foam sofa cushions that had a smaller mean hardness, density, and elasticity seemed more comfortable and flexible and vice versa. 3. Consumers might sit on a sofa when choosing foam sofa cushions in order to assess their actual properties and stability. More flexible foam cushions provided less support and resulted in consumers feeling uncomfortable and tired.