This study empirically investigates the key differences and interrelationships between products and services from the perspectives of user experience (UX) and perceived risk. Over the past decade, the global experience economy has grown significantly....
This study empirically investigates the key differences and interrelationships between products and services from the perspectives of user experience (UX) and perceived risk. Over the past decade, the global experience economy has grown significantly. As consumer demand gradually shifts from material consumption to experiential consumption, users increasingly prioritize holistic UX over traditional factors such as functionality and price when selecting products or services. Well-designed UX can effectively reduce perceived risk, which is particularly important given that, based on prospect theory, perceived risk exerts a strongly negative influence on consumer behavior. However, academic research on the relationship between UX and perceived risk has lagged behind practical applications. While "products" and "services" differ substantially in terms of design intent and interaction mode, most studies to date have been qualitative in nature or limited to unidimensional quantitative analyses, lacking a comprehensive view of their complex interplay in UX and risk perception. Consequently, it is crucial to understand how multi-dimensional UX affects perceived risk and to apply such insights to optimize product design and service processes—an urgent issue for both academia and industry.
Drawing on a comprehensive literature review, this study develops a theoretical framework connecting UX and perceived risk and proposes six hypotheses addressing structural differences in UX, the extent of perceived risk, and the influence of user experience on risk perception. In the preliminary phase, a wide range of products and services frequently encountered in personal consumption contexts were collected. To control for extraneous variables, a questionnaire survey was conducted, and consumer value theory was applied to classify all items into three categories: Goal-Oriented Group (G-Group), Process-Oriented Group (P-Group), and Emotion-Oriented Group (E-Group). Ultimately, six representative items were selected for further analysis: power banks and haircuts (G-Group), sneakers and sauna services (P-Group), and model toys/plushies and stage plays (E-Group).
Following the grounded theory approach and expert interviews, 18 UX attributes were extracted from the literature. Exploratory factor analysis revealed significant differences in the composition of UX evaluation elements between products and services. The findings suggest: (1) The physical and functional nature of products results in unique emphasis on operability and functionality, which are critical for enhancing product UX; (2) The interpersonal and environmental dependency of services leads to distinct emphasis on environmental factors and professionalism, highlighting the need for skilled providers and contextual support—underscoring the importance of product-service systems (PSS).
The main empirical study utilized independent samples t-tests and multiple regression analyses to examine consumer UX, perceived risk, and their interrelation in product-service comparisons, offering a new theoretical model for UX-driven risk management. Key findings include: (1) In terms of findability, products scored higher than services, largely due to more accessible online information, whereas services rely on subjective experiences and word-of-mouth; (2) In convenience, products again scored higher, as product ownership enables immediate use, while services often involve waiting; (3) In assurance, products were perceived as more secure due to their tangibility, which can serve as concrete evidence in after-sales scenarios; (4) In responsiveness, services outperformed products due to real-time adaptability to user feedback; (5) In sociality, services again scored higher, owing to user-provider interactions that enhance engagement and emotional connection.
The study further found that consumers without prior experience perceived significantly higher risk than those with experience, and that, overall, perceived risk was lower for products than for services. Certain UX elements were shown to significantly reduce perceived risk—for instance, assurance for products, professionalism for services, and attraction across both categories.
Additionally, the study uncovered nuanced findings. While inexperienced consumers generally perceived higher risk, the risk gap narrowed for familiar items, supporting Bandura's social learning theory: individuals learn not only from direct experience but also by observing others. Moreover, the UX–risk relationship showed stronger explanatory power in services than in products, suggesting that consumers are more emotionally influenced by past experiences when assessing services, but rely more on rational evaluation when assessing products.
Interestingly, certain UX factors were found to perceived risk. In the product category, high aesthetics appeal raised expectations, thus elevating risk when those expectations are unmet. In the service category, strong sociality was linked to highe rperceived risk, possibly due to increased dependency or emotional investment.
These findings systematically reveal structural differences in UX dimensions between products and services, as well as the heterogeneous mechanisms through which they influence perceived risk. From the perspective of UX-driven risk perception management, this study emphasizes the need for differentiated design optimization and strategic interventions tailored to the inherent attributes and interaction modes of products and services. This approach not only enhances consumer trust and satisfaction but also provides actionable empirical evidence for enterprises aiming to improve UX and mitigate perceived risk, thereby fostering the co-evolution and sustainable development of integrated product-service systems.