A Sustainability-Oriented Evaluation Framework for Growth-Adaptive Modular Children’s Cabinets: A GSOWCELM-Based Study

Yushu Chen () and Wei Zhang
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Yushu Chen: College of Furnishings and Industrial Design, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China
Wei Zhang: College of Furnishings and Industrial Design, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China

Sustainability, 2025, vol. 17, issue 18, 1-15

Abstract: The growing demand for child-friendly, growth-adaptive furniture necessitates the establishment of an evaluation framework that integrates user perception and modular design. This study has proposed a model framework that encompasses eight dimensions, including Growth adaptability, Safety, Organization, Warmth, Convenience, Emotionality, Learning support, and Modularity (GSOWCELM)—aimed at evaluating modular children’s cabinets from a user-perception-oriented, sustainability-focused perspective. The study uses a hybrid weighting method combining the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) and Entropy Weighting Method (EWM) for evaluation based on expert judgment and Likert scale feedback from 20 parents of children aged 1 to 12. The results show that Emotionality, Learning support, Safety, and Growth adaptability are the issues of greatest concern to users. This marks a shift in design focus from traditional practical functionality to emotional resonance and developmental support. Based on priority indicators, the study further proposes a modular configuration strategy tailored to children’s ages. This research provides a replicable, perception-centered framework for evaluating and optimizing children’s furniture systems, contributing to the development of sustainable home environments and offering insights for designers, educators, and policymakers.

Keywords: sustainable design; modular children’s furniture; growth adaptability; user perceptual evaluation; GSOWCELM model; AHP–Entropy Weighting Method (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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