Product Design of Parent-Child Interaction Based on Intergenerational Integration Theory

Abstract

The widespread use of electronic entertainment products has led to a decline in communication and outdoor activities between grandparents and grandchildren, thereby deepening the generational gap. Existing design studies frequently rely on subjective judgment alone and lack a systematic, quantitative analysis of user needs. To enhance intergenerational integration and improve interactions between grandparents and grandchildren, this study focuses on outdoor natural environments as the primary application scenario. User requirements were collected through interviews, then categorized according to intergenerational integration theory, and analyzed using the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) to assess the relative importance of each requirement. The Quality Function Deployment (QFD) method was subsequently applied to prioritize these needs, thereby reducing subjective bias in the design process.As a result, the study identifies five core user needs: the emotional attribute of positive empathy, the connection attribute of tolerance and stimulation, the functional attribute of natural interaction, the consensus attribute of flexible feedback, and the normative attribute of clear rules. Therefore, based on these needs, the study proposes an outdoor exploration product that integrates the elderly's rich natural experience with advanced interactive technology. This product aims to foster intergenerational knowledge transfer and communication, to stimulate shared interests and topics, and mitigate intergenerational communication barriers.The study demonstrates the feasibility of applying intergenerational integration theory and quantitative analysis methods in product design, offering practical and scientifically grounded insights for developing intergenerational interactive products.

Keywords: Intergenerational Integration Theory, Parent-Child Interaction, AHP-QFD, Nature Exploration

DOI: 10.54941/ahfe1006077