Unveiling User Preferences in Robotic Vacuum Cleaner Choice: Insights from a Fucom

Abstract

Understanding the factors influencing user preferences in the selection of electronic devices is crucial for enhancing product design and optimizing marketing strategies. To the best of our knowledge, no existing comprehensive study has examined the criteria prioritized by consumers when selecting a robotic vacuum cleaner. This study seeks to bridge this gap by identifying the key factors influencing consumer preferences in robotic vacuum cleaner selection. In this study, ten criteria were evaluated: price, warranty service location, suction power, battery capacity, smart navigation, mapping method, warranty period, height, mopping-sweeping feature, and noise level. Data obtained through surveys conducted with decision-makers were analyzed using the Full Consistency Method (FUCOM), and the importance weights of the criteria were calculated. The findings indicate that price has the highest weight (0.2459), making it the most influential factor for users, followed by suction power (0.2161) and battery capacity (0.1029). Consumers place the highest priority on the balance between cost and performance, suction power, and battery life. Although smart navigation, mapping methods, and mopping-sweeping functions are deemed important, factors such as service location, height, and noise level have comparatively lower significance. Noise level was identified as the least important criterion (0.0399). The results of this study provide valuable insights for robotic vacuum cleaner manufacturers, enabling them to design products that better align with consumer expectations and refine their marketing strategies accordingly. Furthermore, this research serves as a practical illustration of the application of multi-criteria decision-making methods, offering an innovative perspective on decision-making frameworks.