The ThisAbles project was conceived to allow people with special needs to enjoy the quality of life provided by IKEA products in their own homes. What’s more, anyone can download and 3D-print them anywhere in the world for free!
IKEA’s ThisAbles add-ons range adapt furniture for people with special needs
IKEA’s “ThisAbles” is a range of product adaptors that make the company’s furniture and goods accessible to those with disabilities. The campaign also features a film promoting the goods, starring Eldar Yusupov, a 32-year-old man with cerebral palsy who, for example, has difficulty getting off his couch at home. “I do everything I can to conduct myself like everyone else,” he says in the 90-second video. “But in my own home, of all places, I’m surrounded with furniture crying out, ‘cripple.’”
IKEA’S ‘THISABLES’ RANGE WINS CANNES LIONS GRAND PRIX FOR HEALTH AND WELLNESS
As part of IKEA’s vision to “create a better everyday life for as many people as possible”, the Swedish-based furniture giant joined forces with the non-profit organisations Milbat and Access Israel, experts in creating tailor-made solutions for people with special needs and disabilities, to develop a new and revolutionary line of add-on products that bridge some of the gaps between existing IKEA products and these special requirements.
‘It was important for us to create maximum access in every aspect of the project, from the designated site that we constructed for the project, that was adapted for people with disabilities, to the products themselves, some of which can even be printed independently in a 3D printer based on models that we have made available to the general public.’ states the company website.
The suite of product adaptors that make the company’s furniture and goods accessible to those with disabilities took home the Grand Prix for Health and Wellness at the Cannes Lions Festival of Creativity. The campaign was created by McCann Tel Aviv and produced by Craft, London.
Bigger light switches, easier-to-grab handles and extenders for couch legs are among the designs produced so far in the ThisAbles project.
Source: ThisAbles.com
Free downloadable 3-D printer files available and videos of the items in use
The idea is that anyone can 3D-print the desired add-ons at home or at a local maker-space anywhere in the world for free. See downloadable files.
As well as the downloadable model files, each add-on has a dedicated assembly guide, done in IKEA’s signature black-and-white graphics. A series of YouTube videos show each item in use.
Source: ThisAbles.com
FREE DOWNLOADABLE 3D PRINTER FILES
Anyone can 3D-print the products at home or at a local maker-space anywhere in the world for free. Click on the desired item and the files are yours.