Accessibility is an issue not commonly addressed in the mainstream furniture market. And that’s what IKEA in Israel is hoping to change with its new ThisAbles project. The store worked with Milbat to provide 3D-printed add-ons for its furniture that can sometimes be difficult to use by people living with disabilities. The initial items include easier-to-grab handles, bumpers for cabinets, as well as lifts to raise couches. There are ready-made items in-store, but the designs have also been made available for free online if you have a 3D printer and some filament. You can ask them to make customizations in the design, in case these don’t fit your use case. The company hopes this project would encourage furniture makers to consider accessibility as an important feature—whether making it part of the design or at least available as an option for buyers.
Source: Engadget