Going through the process of converting the data from a survey into a graphical format is not automatic and can take considerable time and effort. This effort is rewarded as the process of selecting appropriate graphs and choosing how to input the data forces a form of analysis and reflection. This proved useful as a means of translating the information that has been gathered and generating useful insight.
Initially, respondents were asked if they owned or used anything that required regular maintenance. 40 of the 42 who filled in the survey said yes straight away. 2 said no, but were then asked if they were sure having been told that this could include cleaning, adjusting or caring for materials. These 2 respondents then decided that they did own something requiring maintenance and proceeded to complete the survey.
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Insight:
- All respondents had something that they felt required some form of maintenance.
- The majority of items were mechanical in nature and the top three were forms of transport.
motivation:
- Those who chose to undertake all of the maintenance themselves did so because they enjoyed it, to maintain high standards and to save money (over 80% combined in total).
- Those who chose to do only some of the maintenance mainly did so because it needs doing often and to save money.
- Respondents cited the need for specialist knowledge and specialist facilities as the primary reasons for having some or all of the maintenance carried out by someone else.
- Performance, Safety and Longevity were cited as the equal strongest motivations for conducting maintenance with Value and Appearance coming equal second.
prompt:
- Those who chose to do all of the maintenance were mostly prompted to do so as part of their normal routine and because there was an indication from the product that it needed doing.
- Those who chose to only do some or none of the maintenance were prompted to do so mostly because there was an indication from the product or they were following the guidelines supplied with the product.
knowledge and equipment:
- Most respondents learnt how to undertake maintenance from a manual supplied with the product, were taught by a relative or used websites/YouTube.
- The vast majority of respondents used some form of tools or equipment to undertake the maintenance.
- General house hold tools, specialist tools and lubricants were the most common form of equipment used.
- Most tools or equipment were bought specifically for the maintenance of the product, with only a small response indicting that equipment was supplied with the product.
Gordon Young 