Furniture has existed since the dawn of time. From the time ancient civilizations opted to stop being nomadic and live in one place, a simple chair or a four-legged bed paved the way for the importance of furniture in subsequent centuries. Furniture evolved from a necessity to a tool for expressing ideas and authority. Unlike local court men, a King’s throne was designed to be a magnificent seat with supercilious decorations. The techniques used to develop and produce world-class furniture has evolved over the years, and continuous improvements are a part of that evolution.
Manufacturing and Design of Furniture Using Technology
The era of monotonous designs and repetitive patterns has come to an end. Aside from the comfort factor, new-age consumers are acutely aware of the aesthetics and design of the furniture, which is where technology comes into play. The technologies influencing furniture design and manufacturing are 3D modeling, virtual reality, augmented reality, and touch commerce.
3D Printing
3D printing greatly simplifies, streamlines, and reduces the cost of furniture design. The ability to produce lightweight furniture models inexpensively and quickly with 3D printing allows the designers to extensively check their designs and achieve maximum beneficial attributes in the finished piece.
Modern 3D printers can bind small grains of concrete, metal, plastic, glass, and ceramics together. These machines are capable of printing any three-dimensional model users have. Individuals can take their digital file along or send it to the location where they want the furniture printed.
Augmented Reality (AR)
Augmented reality is not just used in high-end cameras and smartphone video games. AR is a game-changing innovation for the furniture industry, allowing manufacturers and designers to superimpose virtual objects in real-world settings. In this case, the augmented reality applications are useful for placing the preferred furniture piece in a real space, thus giving a perception of scale, design, color, and the way the space will look after the placement of the furniture pieces.
Artificial Intelligence (AI)
In furniture design, AI is used in the notion of generative design. This novel strategy improves human resources by automating design logic with algorithms. To arrive at the best design solution, the system control can run thousands of iterations based on pre-determined parameters and orders set by the consumer. In a nutshell, the technique employs Generative Design to integrate the functionality of the 3D printer through various shape and design tests with minimal parameters.
Virtual Reality (VR)
Virtual reality is a revolutionary technology that allows individuals to experience the comfort of furniture virtually. VR, which is typically used with an ocular device, enables an individual to experience the furniture piece and all its comfort before the manufacturing. Customers can simulate comfort in a virtual environment and suggest changes if necessary. It is a well-liked technology in the furniture industry to guide with the positive and negative perceptions in the furniture manufacturing and design process.
Internet of Things
The term “Internet of Things” refers to sensors and smart devices that are linked together via the internet. These devices can collect valuable data, extend the features and functions of items to which they are linked, or simply send notifications. Individuals continue to appreciate IoT’s convenience and usability. Internet furniture can help individuals live a better life. Imagine getting a notification from your office storage cabinet that you will soon run out of printing paper or being reminded of an important appointment right after you take a nap on your comfortable couch.
Technological Advances in Furniture Marketing
Traditional marketing techniques have little influence in an era dominated by mobile and computers. With smartphones being the trend, furniture businesses worldwide are investing in cutting-edge digital websites and applications so that tech-savvy consumers can search, sort, separate, filter, and purchase the furniture of their choice right at one‘s touch of a finger. The apps facilitate furniture purchasing by eliminating the need for consumers to travel to the store, resulting in significant cost savings. The furniture industry is changing to keep up with the increasing use of new technologies and the rising trend of online shopping.
Furthermore, no business can afford to overlook the need of digital marketing and social media. Manufacturing world-class products are insufficient. It is also critical to reach the ideal customers and inform them about the latest collection. And no place does this more effectively than social media. A strong presence on famous social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube can significantly increase brand awareness.
Besides that, social media platforms are actively used to maintain the client base. Purchasers who’ve previously purchased an item would want to stay updated on the latest collections from manufacturers. Maintaining an active mailing list and collecting contact data from prospective clients can be extremely beneficial in this context.
Furthermore, the need for an online presence has compelled the manufacturers to create cutting-edge websites for the brand. A website serves as the brand ambassador for a company, and its usability significantly boosts sales.
To sum it all up, as technology is advancing at such a rapid pace, the furniture industry cannot and must not delay the adoption of new technological tools. It will benefit the furniture brand and its prestigious client base if used effectively.
References:
- Souza, E., (2020). 4 Technologies Impacting Furniture Design and Manufacturing [online]. ArchDaily. [Viewed 26 October 2022]. Available from: https://www.archdaily.com/938308/4-technologies-impacting-furniture-design-and-manufacturing
- The Urban Hyve Team, (2021). Technologies Impacting Furniture Design And Manufacturing [online]. Urban Hyve. [Viewed 26 October 2022]. Available from: https://www.urbanhyve.com.au/blogs/technologies-impacting-furniture-design-and-manufacturing/
- How Furniture Trends Have Evolved Over the Years [online], (no date). www.surfacesreporter.com. [Viewed 26 October 2022]. Available from: https://surfacesreporter.com/articles/72266/how-furniture-trends-have-evolved-over-the-years
- Lauridsen, N. Ø., (2020). Discover 6 furniture industry technologies that drive growth [online]. Cadesign form – Push the boundaries of product visualization. [Viewed 26 October 2022]. Available from: https://www.cadesignform.com/blog/technologies-that-drive-revenue-in-the-furniture-industry
