Atwater Kent Laboratories

Title:The User Experience System (UXS): Integrating Systems Engineering and Systems Thinking to Define, Operationalize, and Empirically Test Its Correlation with Commercial Success Abstract:Despite decades of research into new product development, between 35% and 45% of new products still fail commercially, underscoring a persistent gap in understanding the systemic drivers of success. While prior studies attribute failures to factors such as weak positioning, poor timing, or inadequate investment, these explanations do not account for high-profile cases where technically sound, well-marketed products nevertheless failed.This research introduces the concept of a User Experience System (UXS): a lifecycle-oriented, system-of-systems framework that strategically integrates non-functional requirements (e.g., reliability, maintainability, usability) to optimize end-user outcomes. Although scholars have implied the importance of systemic experience, they have not defined a UXS, nor has any empirical study tested whether UXS integration predicts commercial success.The primary aim of this research was to determine whether a statistically significant correlation exists between the degree to which a product, system, or service is designed from a UXS perspective and its commercial success. Confirming such a relationship would provide actionable guidance for development teams, with implications for profitability, market resilience, and end-user satisfaction.This work contributes to the body of knowledge by:1. Defining and operationalizing the UXS construct.2. Empirically demonstrating its correlation with commercial success.By bridging systems engineering, systems thinking, and human-centered design, this research offers a new lens for both scholars and practitioners, advancing the theory and practice of product development while addressing a critical gap in the literature. Advisors:Prof. Donald S. GeloshCo-Advisor, Systems Engineering Program, WPIProf. Jamie P. MonatCo-Advisor, Systems Engineering Program, WPI Committee Members:Prof. Shams BhadaSystems Engineering Program, WPIProf. Marcos EstermanISE Department, RIT