While there are building codes in place that mandate accessible architecture and interior design, people with disabilities are underserved when it comes to furniture design—IKEA Israel is out to change this with 'ThisAbles.'
For years, inventive people have been "hacking" IKEA furniture pieces for a variety of functional and aesthetic purposes. Just last year, IKEA launched its first hacking-inspired furniture collection inspired by this consumer behavior. In this same vein, IKEA is introducing ThisAbles as a way for people to modify some of its most popular products for greater accessibility.
ThisAbles projects are shared online for free and require 3D-printed components. Examples include the Easy Handle, which can be added to the doors on IKEA's PAX wardrobes, or the Mega Switch, which provides a larger surface area for turning on or off a light.
What Makes This Trend Stand Out
- Accessible Furniture Design
- Disruptive innovation opportunity: Develop inclusive furniture designs that cater to the needs of people with disabilities.
- Furniture Hacking
- Disruptive innovation opportunity: Create platforms that enable users to customize and modify furniture pieces for functional and aesthetic purposes.
- 3D Printing in Furniture
- Disruptive innovation opportunity: Explore the use of 3D printing technology to create components that enhance the accessibility and versatility of furniture.
Sectors Adopting This
- Furniture Manufacturing
- Disruptive innovation opportunity: Incorporate accessibility features into mainstream furniture designs to ensure inclusivity.
- 3D Printing
- Disruptive innovation opportunity: Develop specialized 3D printing services and products for the customization and enhancement of existing furniture.
- Online Sharing Platforms
- Disruptive innovation opportunity: Create online platforms that allow people to share and access 3D-printed components and design modifications for furniture.
