Modelling intelligent electronic consumer products

This paper is based upon an ongoing research programme which aims to invest igate the issues related to the use of intelligent materials within electro nic consumer products, specifically those used in the domestic environment. The paper discusses the opportunities which exist for the use of intellige nt materials in electronic consumer products, and explores the problems fac ed by the designer in the development of such products. The paper focuses o n the issues surrounding the nature of user object interaction within new p roduct development and examines the need for a more integrated approach to user requirements and concept development. A case study is used to illustra te how computer modelling of intelligent consumer product concepts can grea tly assist in the design and development process.