What do you think about IKEA's commitment to Democratic Design?
From its beginnings in a small Swedish town to being one of the most recognizable home furnishing retailers in the world, IKEA has always been committed to its five dimensions of Democratic Design: combining form, function, quality, sustainability, and at a low price. Thoroughly read what Sarah Fager, IKEA's Senior Designer, has to say on this topic, and showcase your company knowledge.
"I appreciate IKEA's commitment to bringing quality home furnishings to as many people as possible by keeping their costs and prices low. It's encouraging and inspiring to see a company that values its customers in such practical ways. I especially appreciate their commitment to sustainability across their supply chain and the fact that they are constantly improving sustainable possibilities throughout their business, from souring all of their wood from sustainable sources by 2020 to only selling energy-efficient LED lighting. They're making the world a better place while making their customers happy -- it's a win-win."
"In my opinion, everyone should be able to afford quality furniture: too many companies today sell cheap products at high prices, but IKEA breaks that mold. I loved reading about the way Ingvar Kamprad started his business back in the 1940s: he had a simple idea and a vision to include people from all economic levels in the pursuit of quality, no-nonsense furniture."
According to IKEA, "Democratic Design is a tool we use when we develop and evaluate the products we put into our range. It has five dimensions, which are function, form, quality, sustainability, and low price. When there is a balance between all five, we consider that the design is democratic. The form is for beauty. It's what attracts the eye, and the object has to be functional, otherwise, it won't be used. When objects and materials last over time, that's quality. Being mindful of resources is something that has been with us since the start. We don't like complicated solutions and wastefulness, it's bad for everyone. Part of sustainability is about using exactly the right materials for the function and using them sparingly, but sustainability also means taking responsibility all the way through a product's life. It starts with how we source materials, to the people who produce the product, all the way through to our clients."
Community answers are written by other candidates practicing this set. Reading how others frame the same question is one of the fastest ways to sharpen your own.
Anonymous Answer
In this day and age where our planet is under threat from climate change, IKEA needs to focus on sustainability. Quality, form function at low prices are important but not at the cost of the planet.
Rachelle's Feedback
This response seems to be in a negative framework. "IKEA needs to..." "Not at the cost of..." Try a more positive tone.
"I have read about French designer Phillipe Stark's concept of Democratic Design. From what I understand, the elements include form, quality, function, sustainability, and a low price. I appreciate that IKEA keeps the perspective that everyone has the right to a better everyday life, while also keeping environmental sustainability in the forefront."
Anonymous Answer
Combining form, function, and quality are already musts in good furniture, but the fact that it's also sustainable is what makes IKEA stand out from the competition. I truly believe this commitment to sustainability helps to make the world better.
Marcie's Feedback
Good response! You sound like you understand what IKEA's Democratic Design is, which will undoubtedly impress the interviewer. Just make sure to include all of the dimensions that IKEA includes in this tool, including form, function, quality, and sustainability (as you mentioned), as well as low price. You might also mention that when there is a balance of all these five qualities, IKEA considers a design to be democratic. Finally, don't forget to include what your opinion is about this since that's specifically what the question inquires about, even if you just say that you agree with the concept. Nice job!
Anonymous Answer
I believe that IKEA is truly conscientious about the environment, and that is why I want to work for them.
Marcie's Feedback
Make sure to research Democratic Design so you're able to talk about it knowledgeably with the interviewer. Beyond sustainability, this concept also involves function, form, quality, and low price. Then be sure to explain how and why you support these ideals.
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