The new OMTÄNKSAM collection puts extra focus on ergonomics and functionality without letting quality interfere with style and beauty.
As a creative leader at IKEA, Britt Monti is used to combining different perspectives to come up with new ones. While working on the OMTÄNKSAM collection, that ability became extra valuable. Having herself suffered a stroke, she knows how small nuances in form and function can make all the difference in practice. Based on her own experiences, she has been a dedicated driving force in the project.
She noticed that looking for a certain level of functionality often means you have to give up on aesthetics. The collection is partly made as a response to that mismatch — to show that furniture that is helpful can still look good.
Physiotherapists and experts on both ergonomics as well as ageing have been vital in the design process. Besides using population statistics, many products have been evaluated by people with different needs and challenges.
This new line of products is created with human needs in focus. Needs that vary from person to person, and through our lives, no matter the cause — helping the motor skills of a 3-year-old, a broken arm, or limited mobility during pregnancy — we can all use a bit of assistance at times.
Small differences in support can make or break your day. A multi-cushion makes it easy to tailor just right. Folded or rolled up, behind your back or under your heels to relieve pressure.
This extra-long shoehorn helps you get your shoes on while standing up. Being made of metal, it’s a sturdy support that won’t bend.
Besides giving them a pleasant shape, the curve of the glasses (as well as the vases at the top of the page) makes them easy to hold and lift. The anti-slip surface of the tray helps them stand steady.
Built to make it easy to sit down and stand up, the chair’s curved back and high seat also help with comfort and posture. So does the adaptive soft-foam, anti-slip cushion. An ideal complement is the scratch-resistant, easy-to-clean table, where the absence of an underframe means great leg space at all times.
Britt Monti, IKEA creative leader
We love to see our customers get creative with our products. Go for it! But please note that altering or modifying IKEA products so they can no longer be re-sold or used for their original purpose, means the IKEA commercial guarantees and your right to return the products will be lost.