ABSTRACT
The objective of this chapter is to provide the reader with an understanding of the concept of craftsmanship, its importance, and product characteristics that affect the craftsmanship.
Craftsmanship is a relatively new technical area of increasing importance to ergonomics engineers. The whole idea behind craftsmanship is that the vehicle should be designed and built such that the customers will perceive the vehicle to be built by expert craftsmen who apply their skills to enhance the perceptual characteristics of the product such as its looks (appearance-i.e., shape, ›t, ›nish, color, and texture of each part and harmony of appearance between adjacent parts), tactile feel (feel in movements of controls, tactile feel of various interior materials), sound (how the vehicle sounds when you operate its different features-e.g., sound of the engine, sound of a door closing, parking brake engagement clicking sound), smell (the odors-e.g., smell of the leather used in the interiors, new car smell), ease during use (all ergonomic considerations), and other features (that customers associate with craftsmanship). The vehicle should be also perceived by the customers to “belong” to the family of the brand it represents. For example, the customers will expect an expensive vehicle to be extra well made with all the features and overall perception of luxury and quality.
