At the 100% Design show, Gorenje launched an innovation in appliance technology: The Smart Table - a dining table with a pop-up refrigerator, which was unveiled as a commercially-available product for the first time, and is going on sale around Europe in summer 2007. The Smart Table is more than just a whimsical vision of the future for Gorenje - it's actually a major part of the company's proactive development of new technology and functionality to keep up with and even pre-empt changing homes and changing lifestyles.
Head of the Gorenje Design Centre, Janez Smerdelj, says, “Our primary concern here at Gorenje, and the basis of all of our market research, is consumer satisfaction, and how the end user's needs and wishes in the living quarters of the household are changing with time."
At the touch of a remote control button, a circular refrigerator, containing glass shelves and food trays, rises from the centre of the appliance. It is the perfect size for bread, milk, beverages, condiments, fruit, veg and desserts.
The Smart Table
Dining Table + Pop Up Refrigerator
Trend Themes
1. Appliance Technology Innovation - The development of the Smart Table highlights an opportunity for appliance manufacturers to create innovative products that offer added convenience and functionality for consumers.
2. Changing Home and Lifestyles - The Smart Table reflects the need to adapt to the changing needs and wishes of consumers in their living spaces, presenting opportunities for design and technology integration.
3. Consumer Satisfaction and Market Research - Gorenje's focus on consumer satisfaction and market research emphasizes the importance of understanding and meeting the evolving demands of customers, opening doors for tailored solutions.
Industry Implications
1. Appliance Manufacturing - Appliance manufacturers can explore the development of innovative products like the Smart Table to offer unique and differentiated options to consumers.
2. Home Furnishing and Design - As homes and lifestyles evolve, there is an opportunity for the home furnishing and design industry to create products that seamlessly integrate functionality and technology, like the Smart Table.
3. Food and Beverage - The rise of innovative dining concepts, such as the Smart Table with a pop-up refrigerator, creates new opportunities for the food and beverage industry to cater to changing consumer needs and preferences.