Image Credit : IKEA
Project Overview
The ThisAbles project was conceived to allow people with special needs to enjoy the quality of life provided by IKEA products.
Organisation
IKEA Israel / Milbat NGO / Access Israel
Project Context
As part of their vision to “create a better everyday life for as many people a possible”, IKEA joined forces with the non-profit organisations Milbat and Access Israel, that specialise in creating special solutions for populations with special needs and disabilities, and developed a new and revolutionary line of products that bridge some of the gaps between existing IKEA products and the special needs of people belonging to these populations.
It was important for to IKEA to create maximum access in every aspect of the project, from the designated site that constructed for the project, that was adapted for people with disabilities, to the products themselves, some of which can even be printed independently in a 3D printer based on models that have been made available to the general public.
Project Innovation
The collaborative ThisAbles project, in consultation with occupational therapists, has produced a range of 13 3D printable devices and add-ons for IKEA products to enable easier use by people with a wide range of accessibility requirements.
The print files for each device, along with assembly instructions and video demonstrations are all freely available from the ThisAbles website - which also includes a list of accessibility friendly IKEA products, and a place to share problems and solutions for future designs.
In addition, Milbat’s product designers and occupational therapists are able to adapt the item or its measures to suit a person’s specific need, or custom develop a new special assistive device or an add-on to suit a person’s specific need.
The add-ons range from a glass bumper to protect glass doors from collision by wheelchairs, an oversized switch for operating lamps, to legs to raise a couch for easier sitting and rising - all simple devices that make a world of difference.
Social and Community-Oriented Design - Object
Social design applies a design methodology and intervention to tighten the social fabric that holds us together. Addressing issues of social inequality, such as poverty or social isolation, social design is the pathway to a more just and sustainable society. Community-oriented design is a human-centered and participatory design practice that emphasises the betterment of local communities through the improvement of public facilities, equipment, identity and experience.
The object category celebrates creative and innovative design for an object or product. Consideration is given according to the design context and need, design innovation and the application of human centred design principles.
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