The MAYA principle as applied to apparel products: The effects of typicality and novelty on aesthetic preference

UNCG Author/Contributor (non-UNCG co-authors, if there are any, appear on document)
Nancy J. Nelson Hodges, Burlington Industries Professor and Head (Creator)
Kittichai "Tu" Watchravesringkan, Associate Professor (Creator)
Institution
The University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG )
Web Site: http://library.uncg.edu/

Abstract: Purpose There are numerous design principles that can guide strategic decisions and determine good product design. One principle that has received considerable attention in the literature is the MAYA principle, which suggests that consumers seek a balance of typicality and novelty in products. The purpose of this paper is to test the MAYA principle specific to various categories of apparel. By drawing from the MAYA principle as a two-factor theory, the effects of specific aesthetic properties (i.e. typicality and novelty) of apparel products on consumer response were examined.Design/methodology/approach An experimental design in three phases was implemented.Findings Results revealed that typicality is the primary predictor of aesthetic preference relative to pants and jackets, while both typicality and novelty are significant predictors of aesthetic preference relative to shirts, suggesting that the MAYA principle better explains aesthetic preference relative to shirts.Research limitations/implications Understanding consumers’ reactions to product design provides potential value for academics as well as practitioners.Practical implications Consideration of both aesthetic properties is needed when implementing the MAYA principle in apparel design.Originality/value Although studies have examined the MAYA principle relative to consumer products, few have examined how the principle operates relative to apparel products. The definition of a design principle, such as the MAYA principle, assumes that the logic proposed should apply to all types of products. Yet, this empirical study reveals that this is not the case when applied across different apparel categories.

Additional Information

Publication
Journal of Fashion Marketing and Management, 23(4)
Language: English
Date: 2019
Keywords
aesthetics, preference, apparel, novelty, apparel design, typicality

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