Modelling of user perceived flexible housing unit using means-end chain and conjoint analysis

Abstract

The aim of this study is modelling flexible house design by user. Apparently, all previous trails are based on designer and very few studes on user role in designing flexible housing. No studies found concerning modelling user preferences with respect to flexible house design in Malaysian context. This study attempts to fill the gap by modelling user preferences for flexible house design. To operate this investigation, a combination of Mean-End Chain (MEC) research model and Corjoint Analysis (CA) has been employed. Investigations were in two stages in Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Malaysia; Using Laddering interview with 25 respondents then evaluation by 180 respondents. Results show that model 3 is the most preferred out of the 16 models evaluated. Findings show the significance of research method as a strategy to accommodate user paJticipation in establishing flexible house design.