Article | Marketing area | Year 2012
 

Customer-oriented New Product Design using Means-end Theory: A Case Study of a Fashion Design T-shirt

by Phallapa Petison; Songwut Thongthou; Kannittha Lekmoung
  
  Journal of Global Fashion Marketing 3(4), p.187-192

Abstract

This action research applied a means-end theory as a frame to explore customer’s preference on product attributes, benefits and value that drive purchasing decision in order to utilize the market information in design and development of new products to meet customer expectation. A case study of a new fashion design T-shirt brand namely “COMMON-T” by local Thai designer was selected. Style, design, price, and brand name are found as preferred attributes that lead to purchasing decision.Mix & Matchable feature, uniqueness, cost-worthiness, and being Thai brand are perceived as benefits that serve customers’ value of satisfaction, belongingness, and self fulfillment. Understanding these customers’ insight, the designer attempts to emphasize on building a brand identity and offer the most-up-todate trend T-shirt at an affordable price. Positioning itself as the Thai designer brand whose products offer global standard quality not only allows COMMON–T to differentiate itself from counterfeiters, but is also a key to accomplishment.

Keywords: Means-end theory, Laddering Interview, New product design, Fashion apparel, T-shirt