This is a disclaimer that the project is only briefly described. For a full understanding, please refer to the full-text linked at the bottom.

Background

This project was our Bachelor's Thesis project in the Bachelor of Engineering programme in Design and Product Development at Chalmers University of Technology, equivalent to 15 HP. Together with my friend and classmate Jakob Larsson, I worked on this project during the spring of 2023, in collaboration with Conmore Ingenjörsbyrå AB, an engineering firm based in Mölndal. They provided support in engineering and design-related questions and guided us throughout the process. As mentioned above, the aim of the project was to explore areas for aesthetic improvement and subsequently develop two existing products from IKEA's smart home range, which resulted in development of the products, presented through CAD models and renderings of each developed product.

Methodology

The project followed a structured methodology, incorporating data collection, data analysis, idea generation, visualization, and evaluation. The data collection involved a market overview, a focus group, a survey, and interviews with an IKEA employee and an ergonomics researcher, while a trend analysis identified interior design and color trends, and reverse engineering allowed for CAD modeling and product examination. The data analysis phase included a sustainability assessment, a semantic analysis to evaluate product expression, and a KJ analysis to categorize key insights. In the ideation phase we used brainstorming, brainwriting, morphological analysis, and Osborn’s idea spurring to develop and refine concepts. Visualization involved CAD modeling in CATIA V5, mockups, and material and color testing to align with modern interior trends. Finally, a Pugh matrix was used to compare and select the best design solutions, ensuring a well-informed and functional product redesign. Please check the full-text linked in the bottom for a full view of the process.

The IKEA Symfonisk Lamp Speaker

The final design of the lamp, shown in Figure 5 and 6, features an updated lamp base with four different color options and an interchangeable shell, allowing users to create multiple combinations. The lampshade is available in two different shapes, each offered in two colors​. The redesign aimed to shift the lamp’s expression from a technical and speaker-like appearance to a sleek and elegant aesthetic, drawing inspiration from classic table lamps for a more timeless design. By simplifying its form and incorporating elements of traditional lighting, the new design achieves a more refined and contemporary look.

The modularity of the lamp, with interchangeable parts for different colors and forms, encourages customization, flexibility, and creativity. This adaptability also improves sustainability, as users can refresh the product’s appearance instead of replacing it entirely, thereby extending its lifespan​.

The IKEA Symfonisk Picture Frame Speaker

The final design of the Frame Speaker, shown in Figure 7, introduces two different sizes and the option to add a wooden frame in four different colors, allowing better integration into home interiors. An example for a new base motif has also been proposed, along with a less visible power cable, enhancing its resemblance to a traditional framed artwork​.
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By adding a frame, the product more closely resembles a conventional painting, making it easier to incorporate into modern home settings. The two size options—40x56 cm (original size) and 50x70 cm (a common Swedish standard for frames) increase placement flexibility, allowing it to fit both smaller and larger wall spaces​.

From a sustainability perspective, the frame was designed to be modular, making it more adaptable and extending its lifespan. Instead of replacing the entire product, users can swap motifs, change frame colors, or adjust sizes. The new design also adopts USB-C for power, aligning with modern industry standards, while the frame is made of pine wood, a widely available and durable material​.

Context Images

The context images, in Figure 8 and 9, show a modern home setting, highlighting clean, minimalist interiors where the redesigned lamp and frame speaker seamlessly blend in. The spaces feature neutral tones, soft lighting, and contemporary furnishings, creating a warm and stylish atmosphere​.

Feedback, Discussion & Future Work

The re-designed products received positive feedback, with the frame speaker now blending better into home interiors rather than having a gaming-like appearance. The lamp was also well-received, particularly for its customizable options, though certain color combinations were still perceived as too similar to a speaker. While the broad target group provided a general direction, a more refined focus could have led to deeper insights.

There were some limitations in the data collection, such as a narrow participant range in the focus group and restricted survey access, affected the reliability of the results. Despite this, the project successfully improved the products' aesthetics, making them more suitable for modern interiors. However, due to the project’s scope, further technical refinements were not fully explored.

The modularity introduced in the redesign was a key improvement for sustainability, but additional research into alternative materials, such as replacing ABS plastic, would be beneficial. Future development should focus on more extensive user testing, refining construction solutions, and exploring additional design variations.

The results confirmed that the updated designs align with modern home trends, incorporating natural materials, bold accent colors, and softer, rounded forms. Key issues such as the frame speaker’s technical appearance, visible power cable, and depth were successfully addressed, but further improvements in material selection, customization options, and technical refinements remain important for future iterations.

The full text is linked below for a deeper understanding of the methodology and overall process.