IKEA’s Transformation right into a Tech Company
IKEA, the Swedish furniture giant, is making significant changes to its operations to remain relevant within the digital age. The company is introducing recent services and products designed to match the lifestyles and wishes of future consumers. These changes indicate that IKEA is transforming right into a tech company, and it’s exciting to see how they’re adapting to the changing times.
Enhanced Digital Offerings
One of probably the most significant frustrations of IKEA furniture is the DIY assembly process. However, with the acquisition of TaskRabbit, a platform that connects consumers with individuals who can assemble their IKEA furniture, customers now have the choice to avoid this hassle. The company can also be marketing the concept "you haven’t got to" assemble the furniture yourself. Additionally, IKEA has introduced the IKEA Place app, which uses augmented reality to permit customers to "check out" different furniture of their homes before making a purchase order. This app has been downloaded 2 million times and has been widely used. The company plans to consolidate its different apps into one, allowing customers to browse the catalog, plan store visits, and virtually decorate their homes.
Smart Products and Self-Driving Cars
IKEA is developing services and products to compete in the long run. They have began offering smart home products, similar to speakers and smart plugs. Although these products might not be as sophisticated as others available on the market, it’s a major step for the corporate to enter the smart home market. IKEA also plans to have a zero-emission delivery fleet in select locations by 2020 and in all markets worldwide by 2025. The company is exploring the potential for using self-driving trucks to deliver purchases to customers, eliminating the necessity for patrons to self-haul their purchases. Furthermore, IKEA is looking into how fully autonomous vehicles will change the design of automotive interiors and exteriors. With the rise of self-driving cars, passengers might want different amenities, similar to a mobile office or entertainment on the go. IKEA’s expertise in small-space living and cost-effective home furnishings could translate well into autonomous vehicles.
Space10 Innovation Lab
Space10 is IKEA’s research hub and exhibition space, launched in 2015. It brings together designers, artists, and technologists to innovate and develop recent products and solutions for the long run. Space10 is working on projects similar to autonomous urban farming, upcycling products and materials, and autonomous vehicle design. The goal of Space10 is to create higher and more sustainable ways of living. The lab’s concepts for autonomous vehicles, including a shopping automotive, coffee automotive, hotel automotive, and grocery automotive, might be viewed through augmented reality on the Space10 app.
Conclusion
IKEA’s transformation right into a tech company is a major step towards staying relevant and competitive in the long run. The company’s commitment to technology will allow them to achieve a broader and younger consumer base, including urban dwellers. By investing in recent products, services, and interfaces, IKEA is ensuring that it would remain a frontrunner within the furniture industry for years to return. As the corporate continues to innovate and adapt to changing consumer needs, it would be exciting to see what the long run holds for IKEA. With its give attention to sustainability, technology, and customer experience, IKEA is poised to stay a household name for generations to return.
