Journal of Intelligence and Information Systems (지능정보연구)

Korea Intelligent Information System Society (한국지능정보시스템학회)
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Exploring Mask Appeal: Vertical vs. Horizontal Fold Flat Masks Using Eye-Tracking

마스크 매력 탐구: 아이트래킹을 활용한 수직 접이형 대 수평 접이형 마스크 비교 분석

  • Junsik Lee (Graduate School of Business IT, Kookmin University) ;
  • Nan-Hee Jeong (School of Business, Yonsei University) ;
  • Ji-Chan Yun (Graduate School of Business IT, Kookmin University) ;
  • Do-Hyung Park (Graduate School of Business IT/School of Management Information Systems, Kookmin University) ;
  • Se-Bum Park (School of Business, Yonsei University)
  • 이준식 (국민대학교 비즈니스 IT 전문대학원) ;
  • 정난희 (연세대학교 경영대학) ;
  • 윤지찬 (국민대학교 비즈니스 IT 전문대학원) ;
  • 박도형 (국민대학교 비즈니스 IT 전문대학원/경영정보학부) ;
  • 박세범 (연세대학교 경영대학)
  • Received : 2023.11.28
  • Accepted : 2023.12.18
  • Published : 2023.12.31
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Abstract

The global COVID-19 pandemic has transformed face masks from situational accessories to indispensable items in daily life, prompting a shift in public perception and behavior. While the relaxation of mandatory mask-wearing regulations is underway, a significant number of individuals continue to embrace face masks, turning them into a form of personal expression and identity. This phenomenon has given rise to the Fashion Mask industry, characterized by unique designs and colors, experiencing rapid growth in the market. However, existing research on masks is predominantly focused on their efficacy in preventing infection or exploring attitudes during the pandemic, leaving a gap in understanding consumer preferences for mask design. We address this gap by investigating consumer perceptions and preferences for two prevalent mask designs-horizontal fold flat masks and vertical fold flat masks. Through a comprehensive approach involving surveys and eye-tracking experiments, we aim to unravel the subtle differences in how consumers perceive these designs. Our research questions focus on determining which design is more appealing and exploring the reasons behind any observed differences. The study's findings reveal a clear preference for vertical fold flat masks, which are not only preferred but also perceived as unique, sophisticated, three-dimensional, and lively. The eye-tracking analysis provides insights into the visual attention patterns associated with mask designs, highlighting the pivotal role of the fold line in influencing these patterns. This research contributes to the evolving understanding of masks as a fashion statement and provides valuable insights for manufacturers and marketers in the Fashion Mask industry. The results have implications beyond the pandemic, emphasizing the importance of design elements in sustaining consumer interest in face masks.

COVID-19 팬데믹의 확산은 마스크를 일상생활에서의 필수품으로 변화시켰으며, 마스크에 대한 대중의 인식과 행동에 큰 변화를 일으켰다. 마스크 착용 의무의 완화가 진행되고 있는 가운데, 여전히 많은 사람들이 마스크 착용을 유지하며, 마스크를 개인의 개성과 정체성을 표현하는 패션 수단으로 활용하는 추세가 나타나고 있다. 그러나 마스크와 관련된 기존 연구는 주로 마스크의 감염 예방 효과나 팬데믹 상황에서의 채택 태도를 탐구하는 등 제한된 분야에 국한되어 있어, 마스크 디자인에 대한 소비자 선호도를 이해하기 위한 연구의 필요성이 대두되고 있다. 본 연구는 마스크의 접이 방식에 따라 마스크 디자인을 수평 접이형 마스크와 수직 접이형 마스크 두 가지 유형으로 구분하고, 각각의 디자인에 대한 소비자 지각과 선호도를 설문 및 시선 추적 방법론을 활용하여 조사하였다. 소비자 설문에 대한 T 검정을 수행한 결과, 수직 접이형 마스크가 수평 접이형 마스크 대비 소비자에게 선호되며, 독특성, 세련미, 입체감, 생동감이 높게 평가되는 경향이 나타났다. 이후, 수직 접이형 마스크가 매력적으로 인식되는 원인을 실증적으로 이해하기 위해 각 마스크 디자인에 대한 아이트래킹 분석을 수행하고, 마스크 디자인 별 시선 패턴의 차이를 도출하였다. 본 연구는 마스크 관련 연구의 범위를 감염 예방 효과 검증 등의 제한적인 영역에서 나아가, 소비자의 디자인 지각 및 평가 영역까지 확장한 점, 마스크의 접이 방식이라는 디자인 요소가 소비자의 지각, 태도 및 생리적 반응에 미치는 잠재적 영향력을 설명하고자 한 점에서 이론적인 공헌이 있으며, 소비자에게 선호되는 마스크 디자인을 위한 의사결정을 지원할 수 있다는 측면에서 실무적인 함의가 있다.

Keywords

Acknowledgement

This work was supported by the Ministry of Education of the Republic of Korea and the National Research Foundation of Korea (NRF-2020S1A5A2A01040055).

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