Analysis of Differentiated User Needs of Induction Cooktop Operational Interface Based on Eye-Tracking Experiment

In China's small appliance market, the appearance designs of products have been highly homogenized, leading to fierce competition. Designing strategies that can promote product differentiation have been widely embraced for their capability in satisfying more diverse market needs. Taking portable induction cooktop as an example, this study investigates the differentiated demands of users in two age groups (20–35 and 55–70) through eye-tracking experiments on the operational interface of selected products available in both online and offline markets. Quantitative analysis is conducted based on results collected from hotspot and cluster images produced by the experiment. The goal is to inspire creative ideas for more differentiated designs in small appliances.