Guwahati, Oct 15: A research team of Indian Institute of Technology-Guwahati (IIT-G) has developed a unique, space-saving furniture design aimed at addressing the growing need for adaptable, multifunctional furniture in small-living spaces.
Prof Supradip Das from the department of design at IIT-G, along with a former student, Rijas M.P, used a “prototype-driven innovation” approach to create furniture capable of transforming into eight different configurations.
Comprising two side panels, cylindrical bars and round-headed bolts, the furniture can be easily adjusted by users to serve various functions such as a chair, table or storage unit. The innovative design is ideal for small homes where space is limited, and flexibility is essential.
The team has secured a patent for the invention.
According to a survey by the National Sample Survey Organisation, 32 percent of urban homes are 258 square feet or smaller, while in rural areas, 39 percent of homes measure 312 square feet or less.
This trend has increased the need for compact, versatile furniture and IIT-G’s new design offers a solution tailored to small-living spaces, the research team claims.
Commenting on the innovation, Prof Das said, “Our primary objective was to design furniture that optimises the use of limited space by providing users with the flexibility to adjust it based on their specific requirements at any given time. With homes and apartments becoming smaller, people increasingly need furniture that can serve multiple functions without taking up too much room.”
“By developing a highly customisable piece, we are combining practicality with versatility, enabling users to modify its shape and function to suit their daily needs, whether for sitting, storing or using it as a workspace,” he said.
To arrive at the final design, the team built and tested several prototypes, experimenting with different concepts. They selected the best design based on space-saving efficiency, ease of use and cost-effectiveness.
The furniture is designed to be affordable, with a variety of materials to cater to different income levels.
Prof Das emphasised the role of user involvement, stating, “The furniture is flat-packed and can be assembled by the user, engaging them in the process and tapping into the ‘IKEA effect,’ where people derive greater satisfaction from building their own products.”
The furniture’s adaptability allows users of all ages to modify its shape based on their requirements. A smaller version is also available for children, making it a versatile option for any household.
While the lab-scale prototype costs approximately Rs 35,000, the production cost is expected to drop significantly when scaled up for mass production, a statement issued by IIT-G on Tuesday said.