Optimization of Interface Design Based on User Behavior: Focus on the Adoption of Touch-Based UI in Home Appliances

Abstract

The rapid transition toward touch-based UI in modern consumer products has created a notable mismatch with mental models that users have cultivated through long-term interaction with physical controls. This cognitive discrepancy often leads to operational confusion and a significant decline in overall usability. Consequently, to enhance the efficiency of product interactions, it is crucial to approach digitization in a manner that aligns with the user’s established mental model. This research focuses on specific "tasks" during product use to clarify the UI format that best corresponds to various operational characteristics. The investigation involved a detailed functional analysis of existing microwave ovens and washing machines, leading to a comprehensive classification of their operations. Based on these findings, ten different UI patterns were derived to represent various stages of digital integration, which were then evaluated through rigorous user testing. The results indicated that, for microwave ovens, a fully digital UI format was the most effective, suggesting that interface consistency increases usability. By contrast, for washing machines, physical buttons received the highest evaluation. This suggests that tasks requiring complex decision-making are better supported by a physical UI, which enhances the user’s sense of control. These findings aid the creation of design strategies that balance the convenience of digitalization with the user’s inherent mental model and product-specific characteristics. Ultimately, this study contributes to the realization of safer, more intuitive, and more ergonomic UI designs for future household appliances.

Keywords: Home Appliances, Operating Characteristics, Touch-based UI

DOI: 10.54941/ahfe1007744