DesigningSocial Integration Products for Children with Autism SpectrumDisorder

A KANO Model-Based Approach

Authors

  • Wenjing Nie Yanshan University, Qinhuangdao 066000, Hebei, China

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.54097/4bfg3t07

Keywords:

Autism spectrum disorder; KANO model; User-centered design; Social participation; Product design.

Abstract

Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) often have difficulty participating in the social life of the school, and most of the current intervention tools are based on structured training environments and may not meet the needs of daily social interaction. Therefore, in this paper, a Design Approach for social inclusion products is proposed based on the KANO model in a user-centric Design system. Semi-structured interviews and field observations were carried out to explore the initial needs of children with ASD, their parents and special education teachers, and from them, 19 essential requirements were identified. Further analysis of the demand was conducted using the KANO model and Better-Worse coefficient analysis; thus, they were divided into 'must-be', 'one-dimensional' and 'attractive' categories, and corresponding design priorities were determined. Safety and convenience are the basic requirements; therefore, many users have been satisfied by the added functions of multiple-person interaction and cooperative task guidance. Based on the above analysis, a functional framework of situational projection, social guidance and incentive feedback was constructed, and then prototypes were developed and tested with the target group. According to the results of the evaluation, the prototype has helped develop the social skills of children with ASD and is suitable for application in inclusive classrooms. In short, this study has used the KANO model to transform various user needs into practical design demands and provided a methodological path for inclusive product development in special education.

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References

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Published

30-07-2026

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Section

Articles

How to Cite

Nie, W. (2026). DesigningSocial Integration Products for Children with Autism SpectrumDisorder: A KANO Model-Based Approach. Journal of Innovation and Development, 16(2), 33-40. https://doi.org/10.54097/4bfg3t07