Integrating Cultural Elements Into a Home : How to make product development adaptable

Abstract: This thesis report has been written for the Innovation in Business, Engineering, and Design master’s program (specialization in design) at Linnaeus University in Växjö, Sweden, in collaboration with IKEA, a furniture company in Älmhult, Sweden.  This report is about finding form for customization to contribute to adapting cultures into product development. IKEA is iconic for Swedish design; however, it is a global company with customers all around the world. The research explores how IKEA can maintain its strong Swedish identity while inviting in different cultural influences. It decodes how cultural elements are integrated within the homes of people living away from their home countries.  A line of customized products was designed and developed with Ukrainian-influenced cultural values through form, colour, and pattern. Although the project was done through the lens of Ukrainian culture, the ideation behind the product development adaptability can be applied to any culture. The products bring together an understanding of product use and performance, as well as cultural traditions in the home.