# Exploring Multiple Pathways of Product Design Elements Using the fsQCA Method
## 1 Introduction  
Product modeling design is an important part of the product development process, which not only affects the internal function of the product but also affects the users' acquisition and perceptual cognition of the external elements of the product. However, traditional design methods often rely on the designer's personal experience and intuition, and it is difficult to fully capture the user's comprehensive perception of complex modeling elements. For example, in car design, the combination of a streamlined body and sharp headlights can often convey the image of movement and technology, but it is difficult to give a clear answer to how this combination specifically affects user perception. For another example, a smartphone brand has launched a new model, and its unique camera arrangement and back case material have aroused widespread discussion in the market, but how to determine the best combination of these elements in the early stage of the design is also a big challenge for designers. Therefore, it is of great significance to explore the connection between product modeling and the perceptual image of users, to reveal the needs and preferences of users, and to improve the market competitiveness of products [1].  
As our understanding of users' perceptual needs in product design deepens, the role of morphological elements in shaping users' perceptual imagery--key constituents ofproduct styling--has become increasingly emphasized. These elements also directly affect users' emotional responses and product preferences. Different forms can evoke different perceptual imagery; for instance, a rounded form is typically associated with friendliness and safety, while a sharp form may be perceived as more aggressive or advanced [2]. Additionally, the interaction between morphological elements can further influence the user's perceptual experience, highlighting the complexity designers must consider.  
Numerous researchers have explored the relationship between product modeling and imagery to meet users' perceptual needs through various methods and approaches [3]. However, existing research often focuses on individual modeling elements and lacks in-depth analysis of the interactions between these elements and their comprehensive impact on users' perceptual imagery.  
Therefore, this study aims to propose a product styling design method based on fuzzy set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA), assisting designers in accurately identifying the multiple combination paths of product styling elements that meet users' perceptual needs. fsQCA, grounded in set theory and Boolean algebra, considers the combinability and asymmetry between variables to reveal different optimal paths. It is suitable for addressing multi-dimensional, multi-level, multi-conditional, and multi-result problems, effectively managing the complexity and diversity of the causal relationships between product styling and users' perceptual imagery. This method provides a flexible and detailed analytical framework for understanding the dynamic relationship between product styling and user perceptions.  
The contributions of this study are threefold. First, it enhances the application of multiple path analysis in design theory by systematically analyzing the interdependence between design elements, moving beyond the traditional focus on single elements. Second, it enriches the theoretical framework of perceptual engineering by revealing how combinations of shape elements influence users' perceptual imagery, providing designers with a more accurate and predictive approach. Finally, this study introduces a data-driven approach to design decision-making through the application of fsQCA, offering a new perspective on optimizing product design by leveraging data insights to inform design practices.