S. Vishnu Sharma
IIT Guwahati research team developed a unique space saving furniture design aimed at addressing the growing need for adaptable furniture in small living spaces.
As urban homes shrink, the demand for multifunctional furniture that maximizes space has surged, say researchers from IIT Guwahati.
The space saving furniture design was developed by team led by Prof. Supradip Das from the Department of Design at the IIT Guwahati.
Prototype Driven Innovation
Prof. Das, along with his former student Mr. Rijas M. P. used a “Prototype-Driven Innovation” approach to create a versatile piece of furniture capable of transforming into eight different configurations, say sources from IIT Guwahati.
Comprised of 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, say sources from IIT Guwahati.
This innovative design is ideal for small homes where space is limited, and flexibility is essential. The team has successfully secured a patent for the invention (Application No. 201931044202).
Survey
According to a survey by the National Sample Survey Organization (NSSO), 32% of urban homes are 258 sq. ft. or smaller, while in rural areas, 39% of homes measure 312 sq. ft. or less.
This trend has increased the need for compact, versatile furniture, and IIT Guwahati’s new design offers a solution tailored to small living spaces.
Innovation
Speaking about the innovation Prof Das of IIT Guwahati said their primary objective was to design furniture that optimizes 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, said Prof Das of IIT Guwahati.
By developing a highly customisable piece, we have aimed to combine practicality with versatility, enabling users to modify its shape and function to suit their daily needs, whether for seating, storage, or as a workspace, he said.
Final design
To arrive at the final design, the team built and tested several prototypes, experimenting with different concepts, say sources from IIT Guwahati.
They selected the best design based on space-saving efficiency, ease of use, and cost-effectiveness, say sources from IIT Guwahati.
The furniture is designed to be affordable, with a variety of materials to cater to different income levels.
User involvement
Prof. Das of IIT Guwahati emphasized 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.
Adaptability
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.
The design’s simplicity ensures easy adjustments, empowering users to make the most of their available space.
Cost
While the lab-scale prototype costs approximately Rs. 35,000, the production cost is expected to drop significantly when scaled up for mass production.
The design is flexible in terms of materials, offering affordable options such as particle boards or premium alternatives like acrylic and toughened glass, making it accessible to a broad audience.
This innovative, multifunctional furniture promises to be a game-changer for those living in compact spaces, delivering both practicality and style.
About IIT Guwahati
ndian Institute of Technology Guwahati, established in 1994, completed 25 years of glorious existence in 2019. At present, the Institute has eleven departments, nine interdisciplinary academic centres and five schools.
They cover all the major engineering, science, healthcare, management, and humanities disciplines, offering BTech, BDes, BSc(Hons), MA, MDes, MTech, MSc, MS(R), MBA and PhD programmes.
The institute offers a residential campus to 455 faculty members and more than 8,600 students at present.
IIT Guwahati has retained the 7th position among the best engineering institutions of the country, 9th position in ‘Overall’ and 10th position in ‘Research’ Categories in the ‘India Rankings 2024’ declared by the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) of the Union Ministry of Education.
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