GUWAHATI: The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Guwahati unveiled a customizable, space-saving furniture design to address the rising demand for multifunctional furniture in compact urban homes. This innovative piece was created by a research team led by Prof. Supradip Das from IIT Guwahati’s Department of Design, in collaboration with Rijas M. P., a former student.
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The duo’s work aims to provide a versatile solution for homes with limited space, offering adaptable furniture that can transform into eight different configurations.
Employing a "Prototype-Driven Innovation" approach, the team designed a furniture piece composed of two side panels, cylindrical bars, and round-headed bolts. These components allow users to easily adjust the structure, transforming it into different configurations such as a chair, table, or storage unit. The design is especially suitable for small homes, where flexibility and space optimization are essential.
Commenting on the innovation, Prof. Das said, "Our primary goal was to design furniture that maximises limited space by allowing users to adjust it based on their needs. With the rise of compact apartments, people increasingly require furniture that is versatile, practical, and easy to use. We wanted to offer something that could easily transition between functions, whether for seating, storage, or workspace."
The furniture’s flexibility further allows it to cater to users of all ages. A smaller version is also available for children, expanding its usability across different household types. The team prioritised ease of assembly in the design, making the product flat-packed so that users can assemble it themselves, tapping into the “IKEA effect,” where individuals derive greater satisfaction from building their own furniture.
Currently, the lab-scale prototype costs around ₹35,000, but production costs are expected to drop significantly as the design is scaled up for mass production.
