EXPLORING STUDENT EXPERIENCES WITH PRODUCT LINE-UP ANALYSIS IN INDUSTRIAL DESIGN CURRICULUM

Abstract

Product Line-Up Analysis (PLA), a traditional marketing tool used to evaluate and optimise product portfolios, offers a systematic approach to identifying consumer preferences and market trends. This study examines the integration of an enhanced, quantitative PLA method into the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) industrial design curriculum, framed within the context of the New Product Development (NPD) process. The research involved 14 final-year Industrial Design students from the AAD Department, KAED, enrolled in the BAAD 4201 Final Year Project (Industrial Design), Semester 2, 2024/2025. The study employed two methods: a studio-based PLA conducted during Weeks 1–3, where students analyzed 50–80 product samples to extract key design features and quantify their prevalence using percentages, and a survey to gather students' experiences and feedback. A three-part questionnaire addressed students' backgrounds, PLA experiences, and reflections, with responses analysed using data analysis software to generate descriptive statistics. The findings indicate that students found PLA valuable for enhancing analytical thinking, understanding product variations, and aligning design decisions with market insights. However, challenges such as unfamiliarity with the method and the need for additional instructional support were also noted. This study highlights the potential of PLA as a quantitative pedagogical tool that bridges academic learning and real-world design practice.