Wearable technology: are product developers meeting consumer's needs?

This mixed-methods study investigated both consumer and product developer's expectations of the quality and technical features available in wearable technology products. The quality function deployment framework was used to uncover discrepancies between consumers and product developer's expectations. Three hundred and seventy-eight men and women representing members of the general public, and industry professionals responsible for the design and manufacture of wearable technology participated. An online survey was used to gather both quantitative data and essay length written responses to open-ended questions. Data analysis included the use of SAS Enterprise 6.1 statistical software and content analysis of written responses. Results indicate that consumers and manufacturers of wearable technology differ in their opinion as to which features are more important and most desired. This study provides valuable information for both industry and academia and identifies areas that must be addressed by manufacturers to meet consumer's demand for product features.