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Article

Research on User Demands and Functional Design of an AR-Based Interior Design and Display Platform for Recreational Vehicles

by
Xun Zhang
,
Xiyu Wang
and
Wei Xu
*
College of Furnishings and Industrial Design, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China
*
Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(22), 10568; https://doi.org/10.3390/app142210568 (registering DOI)
Submission received: 13 October 2024 / Revised: 10 November 2024 / Accepted: 13 November 2024 / Published: 16 November 2024
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Technologies for User-Centered Design and User Experience)
Browse Figures
Figure 1
<p>RV show.</p> "> Figure 2
<p>Second-hand car market.</p> "> Figure 3
<p>RV factory.</p> "> Figure 4
<p>Occupation bar chart.</p> "> Figure 5
<p>Travel patterns pie chart.</p> "> Figure 6
<p>Better–Worse coefficient demand classification four-quadrant scatter plot example.</p> "> Figure 7
<p>Better–Worse coefficient demand classification four-quadrant scatter plot.</p> "> Figure 8
<p>Three-dimensional scanning effect.</p> "> Figure 9
<p>Frame diagram of function.</p> ">
Versions Notes

Abstract

:
Background: Augmented Reality (AR) technology provides a new way for product design and display due to its unique interaction, enabling customers to experience products more comprehensively and immersively. Objective: To study the interactive form and application of AR technology in the interior design and display of RV, to provide new ideas and solutions for the interior design of RV, to optimize the user experience of customers and improve the work efficiency in the process of customized interior design of RV. Methods: Qualitative and quantitative research methods were adopted, the target customer groups were investigated based on the KANO model, the data were analysed, and the design suggestions for the function and interactive interface of the RV interior design display platform were summarized. Results: Based on the investigation and research, the specific functions of the RV indoor experience design platform and the needs of the target user groups were identified, including 12 essential needs, 5 charm needs, 1 expectation needs and 2 undifferentiated needs, which correspond to different functions, respectively. Finally, the main features of the platform are outlined, and the functional framework of the RV interior design and display platform is drawn. Conclusions: The interactive form of AR RV interior design includes user interface design and interactive mode design, which can greatly enhance user experience, optimize space utilization and enhance customized services. The application of AR technology in RV design has a high potential, providing theoretical and practical support for the design and development of the RV AR RV design display platform.

1. Introduction

In recent years, China’s RV market has developed rapidly, and the quantity and quality of products have been significantly improved. The growing consumer demand for personalized and customized RVS has prompted RV manufacturers to focus more on meeting the specific needs of customers in design and production. However, the current RV design model is still more traditional and usually follows the design process of the home improvement industry: first confirm the floor plan, then model and render using software such as SketchUp. Although these tools can provide an initial display of effects, the design effects are not realistic due to the limitations of two-dimensional screens, especially in small spaces such as motorhomes. It is difficult for the client to fully evaluate the design without actual spatial perception. This not only increases the cost of communication between the designer and the customer, but also limits the flexibility of the customized design of the RV. To solve this problem, the introduction of AR (augmented reality) technology offers a whole new possibility for RV design.
With the increase in consumers’ personalized demand for RV, how to let customers intuitively understand the interior modification design of RV more quickly has become an important factor for enterprises to win the market. Developing a display platform that incorporates AR technology can not only reduce design costs but also enhance the interactive experience of customers. Compared with the home improvement market, the internal structure of the RV is more regular and suitable for modular design. Therefore, the RV interior display platform based on AR technology is more feasible and has market potential from a commercial point of view. In addition, Apple’s Vision Pro device launched at the end of 2023 once again brought spatial computing and AR technology to the public eye, further highlighting the development prospects of AR technology in future space design. By integrating the interior layout of RV and AR plane recognition technology, this paper explores its application in RV design display, aiming to meet customers’ personalized design needs and promote the innovative application of AR technology in the RV field. A platform that applies AR plane recognition technology to the interior design and display of RVs is proposed in this paper. Users can preview the interior design of the RV in real time on the device and make personalized material and colour selections, to ensure that the final design is more in line with the customer’s aesthetic. The platform’s modular design allows users to switch functional partitions in the AR interface and receive timely feedback, which significantly improves the customer’s interaction and immersion experience.

1.1. Subsection AR Technology

Augmented reality (AR) plane recognition technology refers to the technology of recognizing and interacting with flat surfaces in real scenes through mobile devices such as smartphones or tablets. With this technology, devices can capture and analyse flat features in real time and seamlessly overlay virtual content on physical surfaces, and users can obtain an enhanced experience without wearing a headset. Since AR plane recognition relies only on commonly used mobile devices, most consumers can easily use it, giving it an advantage in application popularity and applicability.
However, the application of AR plane recognition in complex environments and unsatisfactory lighting conditions still faces certain limitations. Azuma and Kim [1] pointed out that changes in ambient light and multi-object interference in complex scenes have significant effects on recognition accuracy, indicating that there is a realistic need to improve the reliability of technology under unsatisfactory conditions. Lee and Woo [2] further explored the challenges of multi-plane tracking in complex environments, especially in dealing with the recognition of non-flat and semi-transparent objects, which has forward-looking implications in further optimizing the performance of AR applications in complex scenes.
In recent years, the application of AR technology in the design of small spaces has gradually attracted wide attention, especially in the field of interior layout and display design. Sun and Guo [3] proposed an AR optimization scheme for small-space scenes, which has practical reference value in the design of narrow spaces such as motorhomes by improving the recognition accuracy and interaction effect in space-limited environments. This scheme not only improves the recognition efficiency but also reduces the mismatching in the interaction between virtual and real objects and provides technical support for the design and operation in small spaces.
In addition, Rios et al. [4] studied the real-time optimization application of AR technology in a complex surface environment, showing that improving the speed and accuracy of AR recognition is crucial for displaying virtual content. Especially in the application of irregular surfaces, the real-time optimization method effectively enhances the stability and interactive experience of virtual objects. Kumar et al. [5] proposed optimization techniques for interior design in small spaces, which can significantly improve users’ design and interaction fluency in small spaces. This kind of technological innovation is especially suitable for RV and small interior design, and the optimized AR can better support the needs of users in terms of space layout, design preview and detail adjustment.
With the rapid development of AR technology, its adaptability in complex environments has also been significantly improved. Wang and Li [6] studied the adaptability of plane recognition under dynamic lighting conditions and proposed an adaptive method to improve the recognition accuracy. The experimental results show that illumination variation is one of the key factors affecting the accuracy of AR recognition. After the introduction of adaptive algorithms, AR devices can perform more accurately under dynamic illumination conditions, which is especially suitable for outdoor and unstable light sources.
Thakur and Gupta [7] proposed an adaptive feature recognition algorithm, which can maintain high recognition accuracy in scenes with variable light and complex backgrounds, which is of great value in mobile AR applications. Chen and Wang [8] proposed an optimization scheme for plane-detection accuracy in low-light environments, which effectively improved the recognition performance of AR equipment under dim conditions and provided important technical support for night and indoor applications. These studies and improvements have significantly improved the stability and applicability of AR technology in complex environments, laying a foundation for its wide application in more scenarios.
In terms of virtualization display, the integration of AR and VR has gradually become one of the development trends of technology. Fan et al. [9] proposed a multi-dimensional virtual scene display scheme based on X3D technology, which provided the possibility of a multi-dimensional space display for AR. However, the real-time response ability of this technology in dynamic scenarios still needs to be optimized, and it is easily limited by hardware conditions in complex environments. Grandi et al. [10] simulated a next-generation AR user interface through immersive VR, demonstrating the potential of combining virtual reality (VR) with augmented reality (AR) and bringing new ideas for future user interface design. Although the solution has advantages in visual effects and interactive experience, its implementation relying on specific hardware makes it difficult to meet the portability needs of mobile AR applications, and it still needs to be further improved to adapt to the development of portable devices.
The application of AR technology in RV interior design has more specific adaptive advantages than other industries. Similar to AR technology being widely used in the home improvement industry, AR can be used to preview design elements such as furniture layout and colour matching [11]. However, the interior space structure of the RV is more fixed than that of the home improvement design, and the layout is limited, so the modular and highly customized design achieved through AR has more application advantages. For example, Mei et al. [12] studied the feasibility of applying AR display technology in static scenes in small spaces. Although the technology has a good performance in static display, it still has limitations in the flexibility of multi-module design.
In this regard, Li and Chen [13] proposed an AR optimization scheme for the modular design of RV interiors, which enhanced users’ real-time interactive experience in RV interior display and design by improving response speed and interactive fluency. Especially in restricted spaces such as motorhomes, the optimization of modular design can effectively support users in adjusting details and design previews, reduce design errors, and provide more efficient and convenient technical support for the internal layout of motorhomes.
In the automotive display industry, AR is often used to display the exterior and interior of vehicles, allowing users to view different models and interior options. However, RV interior design involves more functional areas (such as rest areas, kitchen and bathroom facilities, etc.), requiring more complex AR modular design and dynamic interaction capabilities. The unique challenge in this area is to achieve efficient, multifunctional layouts in limited spaces, which is supported by AR’s flexibility and real-time feedback capabilities. For example, in the RV model, multiple internal 3D models can be preset as AR display modules. The interior design of the RV is previewed by scanning the layout of the mobile phone, and then the virtual interior module of the RV is superimposed on it. The main advantage of this technology is its ability to provide highly accurate plane recognition and a real-time interactive experience so that customers can seamlessly integrate and interact with virtual content in the real-world environment. For example, while previewing the interior scene of the RV, it can also make changes to the interior design, including material selection and colour matching, to ensure that the final product meets the personalized aesthetic of the customer, and has great application prospects for a small-space display or design similar to the RV. Because countries like China have strict regulations on the layout of the interior of the RV, there are often several fixed layouts inside a car. Each functional partition of the car is modular and prefabricated into a corresponding three-dimensional model so that it can be switched at any time in the AR display interface, to give customers timely feedback. Based on the current situation, AR research has not been fully applied to the interactive display of RV interior design. Therefore, this paper proposes to extend the application of AR technology in other industries to the field of RV through the support of detail customization and dynamic interaction of RV interior design and display platform, to solve the balance problem between space limitation and multi-function demand.

1.2. AR User Experience

The core of AR user experience design is to optimize visual comfort, cognitive load management and emotional experience during long-term interactions to achieve higher user engagement and satisfaction. AR technology can not only meet the functional needs of users in RV interior design but also enhance the emotional engagement experience of users through immersive and personalized interaction, becoming a transformative tool to meet individual needs.
Studies have shown that immersive AR experience can significantly enhance users’ emotional engagement through intuitive interaction and personalized customization elements [14]. Poushneh et al. pointed out that although AR can significantly improve user experience, how to improve user adaptability and comfort in long-term interactions is still an important research direction. This immersive experience makes AR suitable for users seeking personalized experiences, especially in the design of RV interiors, where users can give real-time feedback and adjust the design according to their own needs, thus making the entire design process more humane and thereby increasing user satisfaction.
Liu et al. [15] emphasized the significant impact of user interface (UI) design on AR user experience through their research, especially providing valuable design guidance in terms of icon and layout optimization. However, there is still a lack of in-depth research on the gap between user expectation and experience in dynamic interaction, which limits the further optimization of AR experience to a certain extent. In response to this, Oh and Park [16] analysed the influencing variables in AR text readability and proposed specific guidelines for dynamic text design. In addition, Wu et al. [17] used eye-tracking methods to evaluate the design of AR assembly symbols, providing data support for improving user experience in AR environments, and these studies provided a theoretical basis for optimizing user experience in AR applications.
In terms of emotional needs and service quality, Alakhtar et al. [18] evaluated users’ expectations and satisfaction based on iOS applications and proposed that, when enhancing the AR experience, more attention should be paid to multi-user collaboration needs and differentiated needs of different user groups, especially the needs of elderly users. The design strategy of children’s AR books based on the mental model proposed by Jiang [19] improves users’ interactivity and emotional satisfaction through user-centred design, providing an important reference for AR user experience design. Qiu and Chen [20] studied the application of AR in cultural products, pointing out that AR technology should not only meet functional requirements but also enhance users’ sense of immersion and emotional experience. This view further promotes the core status of emotional experience in AR design and provides a reference for the improvement of emotional experience in RV interior design.
In the RV industry, AR user experience design is not only about functional needs but also needs to meet users’ high expectations in terms of emotional experience and quality of service. Huang and Ma [21] studied the impact of service quality of small-space AR applications on user experience and proposed a set of optimization schemes for RV interior displays. Santana and O’Neill [22] pointed out in their research on the application of AR education that emotional experience and deep interaction are crucial to the display of complex content, and this conclusion is also applicable to the interior design of RV. In addition, Kwon and Shin [23] discuss the challenges and effects of multi-plane tracking in small and enclosed spaces, finding that effective multi-plane tracking can significantly improve the accuracy and stability of AR experiences, especially in complex spatial environments. At the same time, Lee and Park [24] studied the user-driven customization application of AR technology in interior design, emphasizing the impact of user interaction and personalized needs on design effects. In a complex interior design situation, through the introduction of a multi-level interactive experience, users can enhance the emotional resonance of the overall design. For example, the AR interactive music creation platform developed by Bauer and Marks [25] enhances users’ emotional engagement and immersion based on multi-level interactive experience, providing a reference for improving emotional experience in RV interior design.
In the limited space of the RV interior, improving the user experience of the AR interface not only depends on visual design but also needs to consider interactive fluency and cognitive load. By optimizing the interface process, Smith and Yang [26] reduced the complexity and significantly reduced the cognitive burden during operation, which provided a beneficial theoretical basis for AR application in RV space. At the same time, Sato and Yamamoto [27] emphasize that personalized experience based on user feedback can enhance a user’s sense of participation and make the operation process more intuitive and natural. For the highly personalized needs in RV interiors, Garcia and Patel [28] proposed a real-time customized solution that ensures smooth spatial adjustments by increasing the responsiveness of AR. Fernandez and Lopez [29] focused on the management of cognitive load, proposing some strategies to reduce user fatigue, which is critical for the prolonged use of AR devices.
In addition, the incorporation of emotional design principles also plays an important role in enhancing the user experience. Nguyen and Tran [30] proposed that through emotional interaction design, users can be better immersed in AR applications, especially in the scenes of RV interior decoration, which can create a deeper emotional connection between users and the space. Feng et al. [31] further explore the real-time feedback framework, suggesting that it can provide more intuitive and effective user interaction in mobile devices, while Petrova et al. [32] emphasize that personalized and user-focused design can not only increase emotional engagement but also improve user satisfaction over long periods of use. These studies together provide a multi-dimensional optimization idea for the AR application of RV interiors.
As an innovative experience design technology, AR can support the emotional needs of RV design while meeting the functional needs of customers. The AR platform allows users to have a high sense of participation in the actual design through a fine modular design and real-time feedback mechanism. However, the relevant research, optimization and development of the RV display platform are still insufficient. At present, consumers’ expectations for high-quality service and personalized experience are rising, and the integration of RV resources and the improvement of service quality through AR will become an opportunity for the future development of the RV industry.
Therefore, this study focuses on cross-field integration, applying AR user experience design to the RV display platform to enhance users’ emotional and functional experience, and to improve the display effect and personalized service capability of RV design. At the same time, AR technology and the Kano model are combined to solve the limitations of user demand research in traditional interior design. The research method based on the Kano model is introduced to analyse the level of users’ needs through the combination of qualitative and quantitative methods, to ensure that the design scheme can meet users’ expectations to the greatest extent and improve user experience. This paper aims to solve the following two main problems: (1) to explore the real needs of RV customization customers; and (2) to design key functions of the mobile side of the platform to optimize user experience. Firstly, by analysing customers’ needs in the process of RV customization, we find and summarize their design preferences and pain points; then, the core functions of the platform are designed according to the needs of users, and the interactive experience of users is comprehensively improved.
The structure of the paper is as follows: The first part introduces the experimental research method; the second part analyses the needs of RV users through the Kano model. The third part is to design and plan the design display platform according to the above analysis; the fourth part is the discussion, comparing the advantages of traditional design methods and the AR design platform; finally, the application potential and market acceptance of AR technology for a RV design platform are summarized, and the prospects and improvement suggestions for further development of an AR RV design platform are put forward.

2. Experimental

2.1. Market Research: Summary and Analysis of On-Site Survey Issues

The research employed both online and offline methods, taking nearly a year to complete. Online, the study leveraged multiple RV modification social media accounts across various platforms, accumulating nearly 40,000 followers. Offline, the research focused on four cities: Shanghai, Nanjing in Jiangsu, Suizhou in Hubei, and Shiyan in Hubei. The research sites included RV exhibitions, RV factories, and second-hand RV markets. Specifically, three RV exhibitions were attended: Nanjing, Jiangsu, and Shanghai, as shown in Figure 1. Two second-hand RV markets were surveyed in Nanjing, Jiangsu, as shown in Figure 2. Two RV factories were visited, one in Suizhou and one in Shiyan, both in Hubei, as shown in Figure 3.
The survey results indicate that, despite the increasing demand for RV customization, traditional design communication methods are still predominantly used, resulting in low efficiency. After an initial consultation with the client, traditional modelling software is employed to create a model, which is repeatedly modified based on client feedback. Unlike indoor design, where there are customized design software solutions like CoolJiaLe, RV design lacks such specialized tools. Each different design requires the remodelling of all components, leading to a very long cycle. The extended design period increases uncertainty and can even result in the loss of clients. Therefore, there is a clear market need for an RV design and display software that can quickly and accurately identify customer needs.

2.2. User Research: Qualitative and Quantitative Research

The research targeted customers aged 45–65, primarily from the middle to high-income group in China. Their professions include businesspeople, teachers, engineers, doctors, and others (as shown in Figure 4). Among them, businessmen, engineers, company executives, accountants, lawyers, doctors, teachers and civil servants accounted for 18.8%, 16.1%, 14.2%, 13.8%, 10.6%, 10.1%, 9.6% and 6.9%, respectively. This group is also strongly interested in travel (as shown in Figure 5). Among them, the number of people who like to travel by train accounted for 40% of the total number of people, the number of people who choose to travel by road and by plane accounted for 20%, and the number of people who tend to choose buses and other ways of travel accounted for 15% and 5%, respectively. The research utilized both quantitative and qualitative methods.
In the quantitative research, a total of 272 questionnaires were distributed, with 218 valid responses after excluding invalid ones. The questionnaire was divided into two parts: the first part gathered basic information about the customers, such as age, income, and RV customization budget, while the second part focused on customers’ functional requirements for the AR design and display platform. Using the Kano model, each feature was categorized into five levels, and both positive and negative questions were used to assess customer needs and analyse their responses to different requirements.
The qualitative research involved in-depth interviews with 20 RV users and 10 industry professionals. The interviews covered three main areas: (1) the traditional RV customization design process, (2) their evaluations of the traditional RV customization experience, and (3) their genuine needs and expectations for RV customization design. The results indicated a strong interest in the AR RV design and display platform from both industry professionals and customers.

2.3. User Needs Hierarchy Analysis Based on the Kano Model

This section introduces the application of the Kano model in user demand classification and its specific application in the AR RV interior design and display platform. The Kano model divides user needs into five categories: basic needs, expected needs, excited needs, undifferentiated needs and reverse needs, and uses two-way questionnaires to collect positive and reverse feedback for functional classification. Through data analysis and Better–Worse coefficient calculation, each function is divided into four quadrants to determine the priority. The reliability test showed that the questionnaire design was effective. The research concluded that 12 functions on the RV platform belonged to “must-have needs”, such as internal layout display and facility adjustment; 5 functions were “excited needs”; 1 item was “expected needs”; and 2 items were “undifferentiated needs”. These priorities provided a basis for subsequent resource allocation.

2.3.1. Kano Model Concepts and Research Methods

The Kano model, proposed by Noriaki Kano in his research, is a tool to classify users’ demands for product functions and determine their importance levels through systematic questionnaire design and data analysis [33]. The model divides product attributes into five categories: basic demand (M), expected demand (O), excited demand (A), undifferentiated demand (I), and reverse demand (R). These five categories can help to study the specific impact of different features on user satisfaction.
In the questionnaire for this study, basic needs, such as accurate 3D visualization and customizable layout options, directly affect the core user experience; expected requirements provide added value to users (such as lighting customization capabilities) to increase satisfaction and personalize the experience; excited requirements are designed to improve user satisfaction and include features such as fast loading and model switching; and undifferentiated requirements have less impact on user satisfaction and therefore have lower priority in resource allocation.
This study uses a dual questionnaire design to collect demand feedback. In the forward questionnaire, the user’s reaction to the existence of a specific function is explored; in the reverse questionnaire, the user’s reaction to the absence of this function is explored. For example, the questionnaire was designed to ask “How would you rate an RV design platform that supports real-time interactive interior adjustments?” User response options include “dislike”, “tolerate”, “whatever”, “deserve it”, and “like”, as shown in Table 1. Question design involves respondents answering two sets of questionnaires in terms of providing and not providing the following functions and services (as shown in Table 2).

2.3.2. An Example of Kano Model Requirements Classification and Prioritization

In the actual research, users give feedback according to different demand functions to classify the functions. Based on the topic of this article, a specific example is shown in Table 3.
After obtaining the survey results from both positive and negative perspectives, it is necessary to assess the reliability of the data, which refers to the stability and consistency of the measurement results, to confirm the reliability of the questionnaire used. Cronbach’s Alpha coefficient is widely used in academia to evaluate the reliability of a questionnaire. The size of the Cronbach’s Alpha coefficient directly reflects the reliability of the scale. Typically, a coefficient value below 0.5 indicates low reliability of the scale, while a coefficient above 0.7 suggests high reliability. If the figure is higher than 0.7, then the Better–Worse coefficient is used to calculate the degree of impact when this function is enabled and when it is not enabled. The calculation formula is as follows:
Impact factor when this functional requirement is met [34]:
B e t t e r / S I = O + A M + O + A + I
The formula for calculating the impact coefficient when the functional requirement is not met is as follows:
W o r s e / D S I = − ( M + O M + O + A + I )
The higher the Better coefficient, the greater the impact of enhancing the feature on increasing user satisfaction.
The lower the Worse coefficient, the smaller the negative impact of the feature’s absence or reduction on user satisfaction.
The absolute value of the calculated Better–Worse coefficient for each function is assigned to one of four quadrants to form a scatter plot. Different quadrants determine the priority of each function.
As shown in Figure 6, the first quadrant corresponds to Attractive Needs. If this feature is not present, user satisfaction will not decrease, but if the feature is present, user satisfaction will increase significantly. The second quadrant corresponds to Expected Needs. When the product provides this feature, user satisfaction will increase, but if the feature is not provided, user satisfaction will decrease. The third quadrant corresponds to Indifferent Needs. Whether or not this feature is present, user satisfaction will remain unchanged. These are features that customers do not care about. The fourth quadrant corresponds to Basic Needs. When the product provides this feature, user satisfaction does not increase, but user satisfaction will significantly decrease if the feature is absent. These are the most fundamental features that must be included.
In general, Basic Needs > Expected Needs > Attractive Needs > Indifferent Needs. Within the same type of need, different needs also have a priority ranking, usually assessed using the Impact Factor (EI). The higher the EI value, the higher the need’s priority; conversely, a lower EI value indicates a lower priority. The formula for calculating EI is as follows [35]:
E I = S I 2 + D S I 2
Regardless of the product design, it is essential to meet the Basic Needs. It is important to avoid Indifferent Needs and Reverse Needs. If possible, strive to identify and incorporate Excitement Needs. Select features based on their EI values, choosing from high to low.

2.3.3. Kano Model Demand Weight Calculation

The reliability and validity of the positive and negative survey questionnaires in this study, after calculations, are 0.9986 and 0.9985, respectively (as shown in Table 4). Both values exceed 0.7, indicating that the reliability of these questionnaires is high and they are suitable for further research and analysis.
Based on the calculations using the Better–Worse coefficient formula, the functional attributes analysis of the AR RV Design and Display Platform is shown in Table 5 below. The number of Must-Have attributes (M) is 12, the number of Attractive attributes (A) is 5, the number of Expected attributes (O) is 1, and the number of Indifferent attributes (I) is 2 (as shown in Table 5). For example, the functional requirements for displaying the design and layout of the RV interior belong to Must-Have attributes (M); the requirement to Show all details inside the RV feature is Attractive attributes (A).
Based on the data results from the above figure, the quadrant scatter plot is created, and the results are shown in the following figure (Figure 7). As mentioned in Figure 6, the first quadrant represents expectant demand, the second quadrant represents charismatic demand, the third quadrant represents undifferentiated demand, and the fourth quadrant represents basic demand. The first quadrant in Figure 7 contains a point indicating that the information function that provides RV functions and features is expected by the user. The second quadrant contains five points, indicating that user satisfaction will increase significantly when the multi-platform display and viewing of the RV’s water and electricity pipeline path are met with support for smartphones, tablets and AR glasses, and user satisfaction will not decrease when these needs are not met. The third quadrant contains two points, indicating that user satisfaction does not change regardless of whether RV purchase information and multi-interaction features are provided. The fourth quadrant contains twelve points, and it can be concluded that the RV interior design and display platform based on AR plane recognition technology must provide functions such as increasing or reducing RV facilities, displaying RV interior structure, interactive clicking on RV interior items, freely switching RV interior views, and displaying RV interior functions and real-time changes in RV interior layout under different configurations.
Based on the EI values, the hierarchy of service needs is as follows:
  • Must-Have Needs.
Increasing or decreasing RV facilities > Displaying the internal structure of the RV > Interactive clicking on items inside the RV > Free switching of views inside the RV > Displaying the internal functions of the RV > Real-time changes in RV internal layout under different configurations > Providing RV usage tips > Show the design and layout of the interior of the RV > Selecting RV interior decoration styles > Providing detailed information on RV interior materials and accessories > Adjusting internal layout > Custom design of the RV
2.
Expected Needs.
Providing information on RV functions and features
3.
Attractive Needs.
Supporting multi-platform display on smartphones, tablets, and AR glasses > Viewing RV water and electrical plumbing paths > Displaying all details inside the RV > Adjusting interior lighting effects > Choosing interior colours
4.
Indifferent Needs.
Providing RV purchase information > Offering multiple interaction methods.

2.4. Design Planning for RV Interior Experience Design Platform

The AR-based RV interior design and display platform is mainly aimed at high-income retirees, and users can browse and customize RV interiors anytime and anywhere through tablets or smartphones. The platform allows users to view designs from different angles through accurate plane recognition and a 3D modelling display and easily adjust furniture layout to meet individual needs. Its functions include selecting predefined RV layouts, customizing styles, and adjusting module positions, materials, colours, etc. It also provides previews of plumbing and electrical channels, aiming to provide an intuitive and convenient RV interior design experience.

2.4.1. Application Scenarios and Target Users of the Platform

Based on previous research and data analysis, an AR-based RV design and display platform for tablets or smartphones is not only suitable for RV exhibitions or automotive sales stores but also applicable to any work or life scenarios. Both customers and automotive industry employees can browse and modify RV interior designs anytime and anywhere using tablets or smartphones. The primary target audience for the platform is high-income individuals over the age of 45 in China, with a focus on retirees aged 55–60. This group primarily includes teachers, doctors, engineers, civil servants, and businesspeople. They not only have considerable leisure time but also disposable income for entertainment and consumption. Additionally, many of them are enthusiasts of travel, photography, hiking, and adventure.

2.4.2. Goals of Platform Design

Product design cannot be separated from experience design, and AR, as a technology for creating entirely new experiences, also relies on experience design. While meeting the functional needs of customers, it must also address their emotional needs. For an AR-based RV interior design and display platform, precise planar recognition and augmented reality display are two fundamental features. Through high-quality 3D modelling and rendering, the platform allows customers to view and interact with designs from different angles using tablets or smartphones, enabling them to make their most satisfying design choices. Additionally, the platform should offer an intuitive interface that allows users to easily drag and drop furniture, adjust layouts, and quickly preview different design combinations to meet their personalized customization needs. The interface should not only display the relevant models of the RV interior but also quickly present technical parameters and configuration options for different interiors, complemented by actual videos and high-quality images to enhance the user experience.

2.4.3. Functional Framework of the RV Interior Design and Display Platform

Based on 3D scanning technology, users can scan the RV floor plan on the promotional leaflet using their smartphone or tablet to directly access the RV interior display and design interface, and the operation diagram is shown in Figure 8. They can view the interior scene of the RV by rotating the model with their fingers or by using the gyroscope to move the perspective of their phone. If customers need different internal layouts, they can switch between them directly. In China, there are specific regulations regarding RV interior layouts, and each model only offers fixed, concentrated styles, so customers can only choose from predefined interior layouts without custom design options. After finalizing the RV’s interior layout, customers can select the interior style. Once the style is confirmed, they can personalize the interior by modifying the style, colour and material of the modules. Modules that are not liked can be deleted directly. If customers need to view the RV’s plumbing and electrical pathways, they can preview them by switching modes. The functional framework of the platform is illustrated in Figure 9. First of all, the user selects the RV model on the platform, and then provides the function of browsing the interior scene of the vehicle. Then, the user can select the interior layout of the RV in turn, select the interior style and module modification, including the location, style, material, colour and size of the diversified options that can be independently selected, and the last step is to confirm the scheme.

3. Discussion

Traditional RV design methods are not only time-consuming and labour-intensive but also make it difficult for clients to fully experience the design outcomes. Integrating AR technology into RV design platforms offers an effective solution to this issue. By utilizing AR plane recognition technology, clients can preview and adjust the interior design of RVs in real time, significantly enhancing design communication efficiency and reducing the time costs associated with repeated modifications. Thus, this study has considerable forward-looking and practical significance.
This research delves into the potential user needs for RV design and presentation platforms based on AR plane recognition technology and provides a comprehensive analysis of the overall state of the RV industry. By combining qualitative and quantitative analyses, it identifies the application scenarios and target users of RV interior experience design platforms and outlines the platforms’ key features. The application of AR technology in RV interior design and presentation can improve design efficiency and user experience through virtual interior design, real-time effect displays, and personalized customization services, thereby meeting the needs of RV enthusiasts, manufacturers, and designers and promoting the development of the RV industry.
Although AR technology has a broad application prospect, it still faces many challenges in terms of device compatibility, which is also the future research direction. For example, low-end smartphones may lack performance when rendering complex 3D scenes, affecting the user experience; different brands of devices differ in the accuracy and response speed of image recognition, which may also affect the popularity and adaptability of the platform. AR applications require specific hardware support to run smoothly, such as high-quality cameras, gyroscopes, and sufficient processing power. Some devices may not meet these requirements, especially older or low-end phones. To solve these problems, we can start from the following points. (1) Build a cross-platform framework, using a cross-platform AR development framework with strong compatibility (such as Unity’s AR Foundation or WebAR) to support running on more devices, while simplifying the development process. (2) Use cloud computing to transfer some computing tasks to the cloud to reduce the processing load of the device. This approach allows low-end devices to experience higher-quality AR effects through cloud services. (3) Develop different customized versions and develop “simplified version” applications for low-end devices to reduce the complexity of AR models, and reduce special effects to ensure user experience.

4. Conclusions

This study analysed RV interior design and presentation platform user needs with qualitative and quantitative methods, prioritizing them through the KANO model. Findings reveal that AR technology in RV design not only optimizes processes and improves efficiency but also enhances user experience and satisfaction by enabling real-time previews and interactions that improve communication, reduce modification time, and meet personalized needs. The KANO analysis further highlights that core platform features should be prioritized to meet essential needs, while innovative enhancements to excitement factors can boost user satisfaction. Survey results also show high interest and acceptance of AR platforms among RV users and industry professionals, indicating strong market potential.
With the further development of AR technology and improvements in hardware, RV design and display platforms will be able to offer more diverse and enriched features, enhancing user experience and promoting the growth of the RV customization industry. The AR RV interior display platform developed in this study demonstrates high situational adaptability and substantial cross-industry expansion potential. Future development directions include platform optimization and user experience enhancement by improving recognition accuracy and interface design to increase the response speed and visual quality of the AR system, thereby enhancing user immersion and interactivity. In terms of cross-industry application expansion, the platform’s modular design and dynamic interaction features are suitable for other industries requiring high customization and spatial optimization, such as home improvement, yacht interior design, and commercial vehicle interiors. Future research can explore optimizing AR display effects according to the needs of different contexts. Additionally, in terms of technology integration, combining virtual reality (VR) and mixed reality (MR) technologies is expected to achieve a higher level of immersive design experience, while machine learning and data analysis can improve the intelligence of personalized design recommendations. Through these measures, the AR RV interior display platform will not only further advance digital and personalized RV design but also serve as an innovative reference for other industries, fostering overall transformation in the custom design field.

Author Contributions

Methodology, X.W.; writing—original draft preparation, X.Z.; supervision, W.X.; funding acquisition, W.X. All authors have read and agreed to the published version of the manuscript.

Funding

The authors are grateful for the support of the project from the International Cooperation Joint Laboratory for Production, Education, Research, and Application of Ecological Health Care on Home Furnishing (No.202101148004), sponsored by Qing Lan Project.

Institutional Review Board Statement

Not applicable.

Informed Consent Statement

Informed consent was obtained from all subjects involved in the study.

Data Availability Statement

Data is contained within the article.

Conflicts of Interest

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

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Figure 1. RV show.
Figure 1. RV show.
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Figure 2. Second-hand car market.
Figure 2. Second-hand car market.
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Figure 3. RV factory.
Figure 3. RV factory.
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Figure 4. Occupation bar chart.
Figure 4. Occupation bar chart.
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Figure 5. Travel patterns pie chart.
Figure 5. Travel patterns pie chart.
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Figure 6. Better–Worse coefficient demand classification four-quadrant scatter plot example.
Figure 6. Better–Worse coefficient demand classification four-quadrant scatter plot example.
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Figure 7. Better–Worse coefficient demand classification four-quadrant scatter plot.
Figure 7. Better–Worse coefficient demand classification four-quadrant scatter plot.
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Figure 8. Three-dimensional scanning effect.
Figure 8. Three-dimensional scanning effect.
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Figure 9. Frame diagram of function.
Figure 9. Frame diagram of function.
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Table 1. Kano model evaluation results classification comparison table.
Table 1. Kano model evaluation results classification comparison table.
Function/ServiceNegative Question
Disliked
(1 Point)		Tolerated (2 Points)Indifferent (3 Points)Expected
(4 Points)		Liked
(5 Points)
Positive questionDisliked
(1 point)		QRRRR
Tolerated
(2 points)		MIIIR
Indifferent (3 points)MIIIR
Expected
(4 points)		MIIIR
Liked
(5 points)		OAAAQ
Note. A: Excitement attribute, O: Expected attribute, M: Basic attribute, I: Indifferent attribute, R: Reverse attribute, Q: Questionable attribute.
Table 2. Kano model questionnaire.
Table 2. Kano model questionnaire.
QuestionNot Needed at AllNot Really NeededModerately NeededNeededGreatly Needed
1Do you want to use AR technology to showcase the design and layout of the RV interior?○ ○○○○
2Do you want to see all the details inside the RV in the AR display?○○○○○
3Do you want the AR design display platform to provide information about the internal structure of the RV?○○○○○
4Do you want the AR design display platform to provide detailed information about the materials and components of the RV interior?○○○○○
5Do you want the AR design display platform to provide information about the RV functions?○○○○○
6Do you want the AR design display platform to include a feature that allows free switching of perspectives inside the RV?○○○○○
7Do you want the AR design display platform to include an interactive feature for clicking on items inside the RV?○○○○○
8Do you want the AR design display platform to include a custom design feature for the RV?○○○○○
9Do you want the AR design display platform to include a feature for selecting interior styles of the RV?○○○○○
10Do you want the AR design display platform to provide a feature for selecting interior colours?○○○○○
11Do you want the AR design display platform to provide a feature for adjusting the internal layout?○○○○○
12Do you want the AR design display platform to provide a feature for adding or removing RV facilities?○○○○○
13Do you want the AR design display platform to provide a feature for adjusting the lighting effects inside the RV?○○○○○
14Do you want the AR design display platform to support multiple platforms for display, such as mobile phones, tablets, AR glasses, etc.?○○○○○
15Do you want the AR design display platform to provide information about RV purchases?○○○○○
16Do you want the AR design display platform to provide introductions to RV functions and features?○○○○○
17Do you want the AR design display platform to provide RV usage tips?○○○○○
18Do you want the AR design display platform to have multiple interactive methods (voice/gesture/touch/virtual buttons)?○○○○○
19Do you want the AR design display platform to allow you to view changes in the internal layout of the RV under different configurations?○○○○○
20Do you want the AR design display platform to allow you to view the water and electrical routing paths in the RV?○○○○○
Table 3. Sample requirement.
Table 3. Sample requirement.
DemandInteractive Click on RV Interiors
Problem ClassificationForward ProblemReverse Problem
Answer 1“Like”User is excited about the need (A) “Dislike”Need is basic (M)
Answer 2“It should be so”User’s demand is expected demand (O)“Indifferent”Demand is indifferent (I)
Classification resultBased on cross-analysis of user responses, click-to-interact features are categorized as “basic needs” or “expected needs”.
Table 4. Positive and negative measurement reliability test table.
Table 4. Positive and negative measurement reliability test table.
Positive
(When Service Is Provided)		Negative
(When Service Is Not Provided)		Item
Cronbach’s AlphaCronbach’s Alpha
0.99860.998520
Table 5. KANO model questionnaire data collation.
Table 5. KANO model questionnaire data collation.
FeatureA (%)O (%)M (%)I (%)R (%)Better RatioWorse RatioAttribute
Display the design and layout of the RV interior13.919.235.789.264.9440.14%−59.86%M
Show all details inside the RV 42.7924.0613.818.622.1740.37%−61.70%A
Display the internal structure of the RV13.184.9243.2916.174.8741.97%−61.70%M
Provide detailed information on interior materials and accessories13.917.8834.7217.024.9438.76%−59.86%M
Display internal functions of the RV22.484.9234.7215.64.6340.37%−59.86%M
Freedom to switch perspectives inside the RV22.0121.2643.595.464.9439.91%−60.32%M
Click interaction with items inside the RV35.5321.6743.164.322.1740.83%−60.78%M
Custom RV design18.521.143.984.171.1638.76%−55.50%M
Choose an interior design style13.1816.7222.833.860.9840.14%−58.95%M
Select interior colour42.4710.3923.266.221.1638.76%−59.86%A
Adjust internal layout10.071123.2410.654.1737.84%−60.09%M
Add or remove RV facilities8.6524.522.786.230.4481.19%−41.74%M
Adjust interior lighting effects4.114.3920.695.520.4440.60%−58.95%M
Support display on multiple platforms (phone, tablet, AR glasses)22.962.526.230.191.1677.06%−40.37%A
Provide RV purchase information5.4510.4123.6447.030.9879.59%−38.07%I
Provide RV features and characteristics introduction23.6450.1818.77150.9839.91%−59.17%O
Provide RV usage tips13.655.8734.416.266.0140.14%−59.63%M
Multiple interaction methods (voice/gesture/touchscreen/virtual buttons)13.0511.2716.4729.160.6140.83%−62.16%I
Real-time changes in RV interior layout for different configurations118.629.263.550.4940.60%−59.40%A
View RV water and electrical pathways15.6713.924.922.17074.31%−26.15%A
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Zhang, X.; Wang, X.; Xu, W. Research on User Demands and Functional Design of an AR-Based Interior Design and Display Platform for Recreational Vehicles. Appl. Sci. 2024, 14, 10568. https://doi.org/10.3390/app142210568

AMA Style

Zhang X, Wang X, Xu W. Research on User Demands and Functional Design of an AR-Based Interior Design and Display Platform for Recreational Vehicles. Applied Sciences. 2024; 14(22):10568. https://doi.org/10.3390/app142210568

Chicago/Turabian Style

Zhang, Xun, Xiyu Wang, and Wei Xu. 2024. "Research on User Demands and Functional Design of an AR-Based Interior Design and Display Platform for Recreational Vehicles" Applied Sciences 14, no. 22: 10568. https://doi.org/10.3390/app142210568

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