Ikea is showing their support for Obama, both through a guerrilla installation an Union Station in DC, and through an interactive website.
At Union Station DC, Ikea built a simulated White House Oval Office decorated with the Swedish brand's furniture. Just like Ikea's instore showrooms, this mock Oval Office had product and price tags dangling off each piece. The set was decorated complete with red oval rugs, a security guard and Ikea flags in place of U.S. flags.
Another part of the Ikea campaign for Obama is the "Embrace Change" website which lets you design a virtual rendition of the Oval Office using Ikea furniture.
I gave Obama the Markus swivel chair, the Bastis dog bed, Arrak plant pot, Hemnes 6-drawer chest, Horup floor lamp, Gutav desk, Ektorp chair and the Torekov footstool. I also added a dog and body guard and a piano, for good measure
The site isn't very user-friendly, objects disappear and won't place where you want, but the idea is fantastic!
Key Themes Behind This Trend
- Simulated Office Installations
- Creating mock offices with product displays provides an immersive experience for customers and potential buyers.
- Interactive Virtual Design
- Websites that allow users to design virtual spaces using products present an opportunity for customization and engagement.
- Guerrilla Marketing Campaigns
- Unconventional marketing installations in high-traffic areas can generate buzz and interest in a brand.
Where This Applies
- Furniture Retail
- Furniture retailers can explore the potential of creating simulated office installations in-store to showcase their products.
- Interior Design
- Interior designers can leverage interactive virtual design platforms to collaborate with clients and visualize design concepts.
- Marketing and Advertising
- Marketing and advertising agencies can incorporate guerrilla marketing tactics in their campaigns to create memorable experiences for consumers.
