A study of Chinese air fryer modeling imagery based on factor analysis method and triangular fuzzy number

This study investigates the visual intent evaluation of various air fryer shapes in the Chinese market, which have emerged as a new generation of baking tools that have contributed significantly to enhancing baking quality and efficiency while also reducing human consumption of fats and oils. To achieve this objective, a total of 12 air fryer brands with the highest market share were selected from the vast range of air fryers available in the Chinese market, and 12 air fryers from each of the 12 brands with a price range of RMB 100-700 were selected as the sample for this study. In the first phase of the research, a total of 140 adjectives were collected, and a team of ten professional design workers shortlisted 40 most appropriate adjectives. Subsequently, through the use of the general consumer semantic difference method (SD method) questionnaire survey, five groups of air fryer modeling visual imagery adjective vocabulary categories were derived through factor analysis statistics, including smooth and simple, perfect and sensual, modern and advanced, simple and convenient, and exquisite and durable. In the second stage of this research, 12 air fryer shapes were selected, and a questionnaire was created using computer simulation drawings, consisting of five groups of shape visual intention descriptors. The responses to the questionnaire were statistically analyzed, and the evaluation scores of the 12 air fryers in the five groups of styling visual intention were calculated using the triangular fuzzy number in fuzzy theory. The findings reveal that some air fryers have highly similar overall shape images and can be conveniently substituted by consumers during selection and application, including the first group (HE, KJ, JY, SB), the second group (MD, XX, LR), and the third group (SP, FL). Subsequently, based on the application of the aforementioned research results, a relevant database was established that is grounded on the evaluation value of different air fryers in terms of their shape image. Designers may then tailor the styling image of air fryers according to the diverse preferences of different individuals, thereby enabling different consumers to have distinct experiences in their future usage. In addition, designers can better meet the psychological needs and aesthetic demands of consumers while designing their products.