Authors:
Saltanat Kozhobaeva,Ding Zirui,Guo Ziyi,Liu Wei,DOI NO:
https://doi.org/10.26782/jmcms.spl.13/2026.05.00008Keywords:
Empty Nest Youth,User Experience,Humanistic Design,Perception-Behavior-Space Model,Abstract
Against the backdrop of rapid urbanization, a significant demographic group known as “empty-nest youth” has emerged in China’s major metropolitan and emerging first-tier cities. These young individuals, who predominantly live alone, commonly face challenges such as weakened social connections, increased psychological stress, and a reduced sense of security. Current youth housing design tends to prioritize economic efficiency and spatial optimization while neglecting systematic research on users’ living experiences, often resulting in spatial dysfunction and a weakened sense of belonging. This study introduces an innovative user experience (UX)-oriented theoretical framework and constructs a three-dimensional design model based on perception, behavior, and space. Using a mixed-method approach that combines quantitative questionnaires, behavioral observation, qualitative interviews, and scenario analysis, the research systematically investigates the spatial usage patterns and emotional needs of the target group. By establishing a UX-based architectural evaluation system and conducting prototype space experiments, the findings demonstrate that user experience-oriented design strategies can significantly improve residential satisfaction, promote social interaction, and enhance emotional stability. This study proposes a new design paradigm for contemporary youth housing that integrates functional efficiency, humanistic care, and experiential value, providing both theoretical support and practical guidance for future residential design.References:
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