Fresh home furnishing ideas and affordable furniture - IKEA
The story of the OMTÄNKSAM collection
Developed in collaboration with ergonomists, physiotherapists and researchers, the OMTÄNKSAM collection aims to help people overcome obstacles that make it difficult to enjoy an independent life by adding extra comfort and functionality to everyday objects.
Design as an opportunity for change
Did you know that about 15% of the world’s population live with some form of disability? Our vision is to help people to live a better life at home, and we want to make this possible for everyone and for every functional need.
“Smart design is born when we see the world through the eyes of others. From the very moment we step back and change perspective, we open doors to new opportunities,” says Britt Monti, Creative Leader at IKEA of Sweden.
Driven by disability
With first-hand experience of what it means when physical abilities change in an instant having herself suffered a stroke, and with a mum suffering from Parkinson’s disease, Britt knows what it’s like to be on constant lookout for well-designed home aids.
“My mum appreciated beauty. Most of the things I found for her were so hideous that she didn’t want them in her house. The same was true for me. I didn’t know how long I would be ill for, but I couldn’t bring myself to install the products I was offered. They were just too ugly.”
Ergonomic update
Seeing a gap not only in the existing IKEA range but in the home furnishing market in general, Britt started investigating how IKEA could best contribute. It soon became clear that the best direction for IKEA was to make the existing range even more ergonomic, rather than inventing something new.
Full of function and form
The result of Britt’s and her co-workers’ efforts is the OMTÄNKSAM collection. Evaluated by experts from a variety of fields, and tested by a diverse group of people with different needs, challenges, and preferences, these are products that do good – and look good doing it.
“Most of us don’t want to be defined by our age or our physical condition, so let’s make sure we can furnish our homes in ways that make room for diversity.”