User-Centred Development and Evaluation of a Coconut Husk Processing Prototype: Integrating Design Thinking, QFD, and Techno-Economic Analysis

Small-scale coconut enterprises require processing technologies that are technically functional while remaining compatible with users’ operational capabilities, maintenance resources, and economic constraints. This study aimed to develop and evaluate a user-centred coconut husk processing prototype by integrating Design Thinking (DT), Quality Function Deployment (QFD), prototype realization, continuous-feeding operation, and techno-economic analysis. User requirements were elicited from 20 coconut-processing business operators and translated into engineering characteristics through the House of Quality (HoQ). The resulting engineering priorities guided prototype development and testing. Under the tested operating conditions, the prototype produced cocofiber and cocopeat at observed rates of 8.94 and 8.16 kg/h, respectively, with fuel consumption of approximately 1.50 L/h. These observed operating parameters were used as the basis for economic evaluation. Under the baseline assumptions, the break-even volume was approximately 1.92 tons of combined product, corresponding to about 112 operating hours or 14 operating days. The simple payback period was approximately 2.10 months. A five-year discounted cash-flow analysis at a 10% discount rate resulted in a positive net present value (NPV) of approximately IDR 125.92 million and an internal rate of return (IRR) of 571.64%. Sensitivity analysis showed that economic feasibility was most responsive to product selling prices and variable operating costs; a combined 10% reduction in selling prices and 10% increase in variable costs resulted in a negative NPV. The findings demonstrate that the practical suitability of small-scale processing technology depends on the alignment of user requirements, engineering responses, operational performance, and economic conditions. The integrated DT–QFD approach provides a traceable pathway for developing context-responsive processing technology while highlighting the importance of market and cost robustness for technology adoption.

Agricultural Economics / Agricultural Economy

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