# Accessibility-Boosting Furniture Hacks 'ThisAbles' from IKEA Transforms Furniture with 3D Printing By Laura McQuarrie | Published 2019-03-12 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/thisables References: [fastcompany](https://www.fastcompany.com/90317579/ikea-is-hacking-its-own-furniture-for-people-with-disabilities?utm_source=postup&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Fast%20Company%20Daily&position=3&partner=newsletter&campaign_date=03122019) & [thisables](https://thisables.com/) 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](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ikeas-bsingen-collection) 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](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/svelte-collection). 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](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/curved-cabinetry-collection) wardrobes, or the Mega Switch, which provides a larger surface area for turning on or off a light. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 1.5/10 - Popularity: 6% | Activity: 30% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Gen Alpha, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) > [Furniture](https://www.trendhunter.com/furniture) ## Key Themes ### 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. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Accessible Home Lines](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ikeas-bsingen-collection.md) - [Comprehensive Digital Accessibility Initiatives](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/digital-accessibility-initiative.md) - [Inclusive Accessibility-Focused Furnishings](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-accessible-home.md) - [Inclusive Bathroom Accessories](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ikea-bsingen.md) - [Adaptive Furniture Systems](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/expand-furniture.md) - [Accessible Urban Furniture Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/urban-furniture-concept.md) - [Home Mobility Accessible Furniture](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/capella-design.md) - [Accessibility-Focused Stickers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ges-access-kit.md) - [Braille-Integrated Furniture Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/aedo-collection.md)