All students moving out from their parents’ into their student housing know the struggle of buying furniture. A room that is way too small, but should still fit at least a bed, desk, and wardrobe. After carefully measuring the walls and buying all the furniture individually, you notice that it is just a bunch of random pieces that don’t fit together.
Integrating AI and AR
IKEA found a solution for this problem. Their IKEA Kreativ app combines the latest Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies with Augmented Reality (AR). AR allows users to design their own room in real-time. By simply scanning the room with the app, users can experiment with different layouts and styles. The AI part of the app suggests additional pieces of furniture and is able to erase existing furniture from the room. Once a user finishes their design, he or she can add all items to their shopping cart. Data from Shopify shows that buyers who visualize an item in AR are 65% more likely to actually buy the product (Reynolds, 2024).
Digital Disruption
Said Parag Parekh, Co-acting Chief Digital Officer, states, ” Through innovative, intuitive technology, we believe IKEA Kreativ will break down barriers to shopping for home furnishing.” (IKEA, 2023). In other words, the app is not only useful for consumers, but it is also a disruptive innovation in the furniture industry. The traditional offline way of buying furniture requires measuring the entire room and visiting a physical store, while IKEA Kreativ offers a personalized and interactive environment by scanning your room into the app.
For students (or others who have to move), the IKEA Kreativ app is a great way to furnish a room or house and turn it into a coherent space. For the furnishing industry, the app shows that AI and AR are not only a feature, but can reshape the whole market.
References
IKEA. (2023, February 13). IKEA Kreativ launches, making home design even easier and more accessible for the many. Opgehaald van IKEA: https://www.ikea.com/gb/en/newsroom/stories/ikea-kreativ-launches-making-home-design-even-easier-and-more-accessible-for-the-many-pub71d09380/
Reynolds, R. (2024, June 13). How the IKEA Kreativ app evolves furniture sales. Opgehaald van ienhance: https://www.ienhance.co/insights/ikea-kreativ-app
