TÄBLE, in collaboration with IKEA
About TÄBLE is a flexible surface for modern living. It provides users with a flexible table space which supports a modern lifestyle, by creating smooth transitions between activities and encouraging the user to interact with the space through playful manipulation and exploration through simple and effective cues.
Brief We were asked to design a product for IKEA which would not only consider the Democratic Design Principles, but which would foster togetherness and playfulness for the user(s) in a “serious” product outcome.
Designskolen Kolding x IKEA
2018-2019
2-Person Team Project
Directed by Richard Herriot, Niklas Jacob
“TÄBLE challenges what it means to be a “dining table” in homes today, and considers the many activities and tasks which it must support. ”
Design Details
Folded edge: encourages the user to interact with and modify the space to best suit their needs.
Cable integration: allows the user to keep their devices charging, and encourages the storage of electronic devices out of sight— and out of mind.
Laminated surface: easy to clean and provides a pop of color.
“TÄBLE is a flexible surface for every lifestyle. ”
Assembly As IKEA prefers to flatpack their products both for more sustainable and cheaper shipping, we made sure that TÄBLE aligned with these values. TÄBLE’s legs can be removed and can pack together inside of the upper table top to be packed flat in a box. The legs can later be removed and easily assembled by the users.
Dimensions TÄBLE is the standard IKEA size for a small 4-person dining table. The concept could, however, be adapted to many tables of different sizes, depending upon the users’ needs. The height of the two tabletops was determined by both standard table heights for desks and formal dining tables, as well as through user testing to ensure comfort.
Insights + Research In order to define and understand the problems facing users we utilized IKEA’s Life at Home and Play reports and collected theoretical research on designing for play. Additionally, through analyzing user-provided media and conducting in-depth interviews we developed the question: “How might we facilitate seamless transitions between multi-use space in the home?” Finally, we identified 5 considerations to keep in mind throughout the design process:
Smaller Homes Where we live is becoming more compact as people move to cities and rent prices rise.
More distractions Technology is bringing work, and other distractions, into the home.
Fewer activity-specific spaces As homes become smaller, there are no longer dedicated areas to singular activities, instead users opt for multi-use spaces.
Playfulness as an attitude Playfulness is a way of engaging with the world derived from our capacity to play.
Encouraging togetherness Being present in the moment allows us to spend quality time together.
“In summary, the traditional dining table is not optimized for homes today, and now has many uses besides dining. By analyzing user-provided media and conducting interviews we identified key activities which happen at the dining table. ”
Process Though we were presented with a wide brief, we were able to identify a problem to solve for through discussions with both users and IKEA designers in Ålmhut, Sweden. Further ethnographic studies and analysis of user-provided media helped us to understand the user’s needs and desires. Rapid and full-scale prototyping allowed us to interact with the object on a 1:1 scale.
Collaboration After visiting IKEA of Sweden in Älmhult to hear their thoughts on the subject of play in the home, and democratic design principles, and presenting our products to visiting IKEA designers at Designskolen Kolding, our group was one of 6 selected to journey back to IKEA of Sweden to present our final presentation to a group of designers, developers, and managers— a wonderful opportunity to get feedback and share our insights. It was an inspirational and valuable visit for all involved.
