Abstract

Abstract Purpose: This study aims to develop and validate a framework linking emotional design, system image, and technology acceptance to explain consumer adoption of Sustainable Product Service Systems (SPSS) within sustainable distribution. The research focuses on how affective experience design enhances value delivery and emotional engagement in eco-innovation. Research design, data and methodology: Using the Delphi method, a panel of 25 experts in sustainability, marketing, and distribution participated in three iterative rounds. Consensus was statistically evaluated through the Content Validity Ratio (CVR), and validated indicators were incorporated into a structured framework connecting emotional design and SPSS adoption through system image and technology acceptance. Results: The Delphi-based process successfully grouped these constructs into valid measurement items with confirmed conceptual legitimacy. Expert consensus ensured the reliability and coherence of each indicator. However, since this study focused on developing and validating items, future quantitative research should empirically test causal relationships among variables to achieve statistical generalization. Conclusions: The findings provide theoretical and managerial implications for designing sustainable distribution strategies. While expert validation confirmed the framework’s soundness, further research using methods such as structural equation modeling is needed to strengthen empirical evidence and extend the framework’s predictive power for SPSS adoption and sustainable distribution transformation.