Niklas Jacob's IDEA Explores the Appeal of IKEA via Design
Kalin Ned — April 24, 2018 — Art & Design
References: niklasjacob & dezeen
A group of creatives, led by Niklas Jacob, sought out to explain the ever-increasing popularity of IKEA and its flat-packed furniture designs. The satirical project is dubbed IDEA and it is a part of Milan Design Week.
Niklas Jacob equates IKEA to a supermarket where "you have everything," while specialized businesses are associated with butcher shops, vegetable stands and so forth. IDEA offers an interesting insight in the way massive superstores like IKEA affect independent shops. Niklas Jacob invites fellow designers from around the world to reflect and comment on this relationship with their own flat-packed furniture designs. For example, SuperStudio creates 18 pieces "that would not typically be found in large-scale distribution," highlighting the kind of personality and customization in furniture one can't find in a megastore.
Niklas Jacob equates IKEA to a supermarket where "you have everything," while specialized businesses are associated with butcher shops, vegetable stands and so forth. IDEA offers an interesting insight in the way massive superstores like IKEA affect independent shops. Niklas Jacob invites fellow designers from around the world to reflect and comment on this relationship with their own flat-packed furniture designs. For example, SuperStudio creates 18 pieces "that would not typically be found in large-scale distribution," highlighting the kind of personality and customization in furniture one can't find in a megastore.
Trend Themes
1. Satirical Furniture Designs - Designers are increasingly using satire to critique popular furniture brands and explore alternative avenues for creativity and self-expression within furniture design.
2. Flat-packed Furniture Dominance - The rise of flat-packed furniture brands like IKEA is creating a demand for more personalized, non-mass-produced furniture options.
3. Independent Shops Under Pressure - Massive superstores like IKEA are putting increasing pressure on small, independent furniture retailers to differentiate themselves and offer unique products and services.
Industry Implications
1. Furniture Manufacturing - There is an opportunity for furniture manufacturers to incorporate more personalized and unique design elements into flat-packed furniture options.
2. Retail - Independent furniture retailers may benefit from offering specialized, customizable furniture pieces not found in large-scale distribution stores.
3. Art and Design - Designers are exploring new avenues for creativity and self-expression within furniture design, using satire to critique popular brands and highlight the benefits of personalized, customized furniture options.
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