Abstract
In the past and current research and design practices, individuals with ADHD are predominantly defined as “patients,” with most design efforts focusing on the normalization needs of children and adolescents. However, there remains a significant gap in addressing the everyday and social support needs of adults with ADHD. This study adopts the lens of neuro diversity to explore the intersection of social and personal needs among adults with ADHD. By integrating the Kano-QFD-Z-Pareto methodology, the research systematically identifies and translates user needs into actionable design elements. Through a comprehensive literature review and Kano model analysis, 17 core user needs were extracted and categorized. A Quality Function Deployment (QFD) matrix was constructed to map the relationships between user needs and functional requirements, while Z-score normalization and Pareto analysis were employed to prioritize seven key design features, including gesture-based quick note-taking and stress-responsive relaxation suggestions. Based on these findings, a wearable smart device was developed, incorporating gesture-triggered voice transcription, a rotation- based anxiety relief module, and an AI-powered task optimization system. The device utilizes tangible interaction to reduce cognitive load and enhance attentional regulation and creative expression for individuals with ADHD. We advocate for a shift in the academically dominant design paradigm from a deficit-oriented approach to a function-supportive one, and propose a practical framework grounded in the principles of neuro diversity. This framework aims to advance inclusive design practices and foster further academic research in this field.
Keywords
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder; Neurodiversity; Kano-QFD model
DOI
https://doi.org/10.21606/iasdr.2025.210
Citation
Feng, Z., Mo, Y., Fang, Z.,and Chen, W.(2025) Application Study of ADHD Design Based on Kano-QFD-Z-Pareto Methods, in Chang, C.-Y., and Hsu, Y. (eds.), IASDR 2025: Design Next, 02-05 December, Taiwan. https://doi.org/10.21606/iasdr.2025.210
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License
Conference Track
Track 9 - Healthcare Design
Application Study of ADHD Design Based on Kano-QFD-Z-Pareto Methods
In the past and current research and design practices, individuals with ADHD are predominantly defined as “patients,” with most design efforts focusing on the normalization needs of children and adolescents. However, there remains a significant gap in addressing the everyday and social support needs of adults with ADHD. This study adopts the lens of neuro diversity to explore the intersection of social and personal needs among adults with ADHD. By integrating the Kano-QFD-Z-Pareto methodology, the research systematically identifies and translates user needs into actionable design elements. Through a comprehensive literature review and Kano model analysis, 17 core user needs were extracted and categorized. A Quality Function Deployment (QFD) matrix was constructed to map the relationships between user needs and functional requirements, while Z-score normalization and Pareto analysis were employed to prioritize seven key design features, including gesture-based quick note-taking and stress-responsive relaxation suggestions. Based on these findings, a wearable smart device was developed, incorporating gesture-triggered voice transcription, a rotation- based anxiety relief module, and an AI-powered task optimization system. The device utilizes tangible interaction to reduce cognitive load and enhance attentional regulation and creative expression for individuals with ADHD. We advocate for a shift in the academically dominant design paradigm from a deficit-oriented approach to a function-supportive one, and propose a practical framework grounded in the principles of neuro diversity. This framework aims to advance inclusive design practices and foster further academic research in this field.