Kristina Meyer
- Product designer
- Co-owner of byform produktdesign
- Jury member of interzum Award
1. How do you perceive the current trends and innovations in the furniture manufacturing industry based on the entries you've reviewed? What will be the keywords for the future trends?
Based on the entries reviewed, the current trends and innovations in the furniture manufacturing industry are strongly focused on sustainability, technology integration, customization, and transparency.
Some of the entries are focused on a technology integration. There are smart innovations for furniture like DPI desk panel or products with a high eco-friendly manufacturing process like CollaSEA. In future more and more manufacturer will using IoT connectivity and digital manufacturing are gaining traction, offering enhanced functionality, convenience, and efficiency. However, there is also a growing emphasis on the sustainable development of companies, as well as increased transparency and regulatory control. There is a notable emphasis on sustainable materials, eco-friendly production processes, and efforts to minimize environmental impact throughout the product lifecycle.
Changes are becoming evident as manufacturers are compelled to adapt their products and production processes to align with the forthcoming transition towards a circular economy. A noticeable transformation is occurring across all sectors, spanning production methods, material selection, product design, and certification processes. This evolution reflects a collective movement towards greater sustainability and responsible consumption within the furniture industry.
2.As an expert in the field, what advice do you have for manufacturers looking to enhance the quality and design of furniture and accessories?
Companies must earnestly and diligently strive to address the challenges they encounter and seek the most optimal solutions available. The demands and expectations of end customers are continuously increasing, and companies cannot sustain themselves in the long run through superficial attempts at greenwashing. Companies should invest in high-quality, durable and eco friendly materials. They should invest in secure products, comfort and usability. They should include sustainable manufacturing processes and reduces environmental impact and using new technology, KI in e-commerce and develop smart solutions for smart furniture. But whatever you do as a manufacturer, do it seriously and because of being aware that it is important and your responsibility.
3.In your opinion, how will the interzum guangzhou Award contribute to the furniture manufacturing industry?
Competitions typically play a crucial role in introducing innovations and inspiring advancements within the furniture industry. They drive companies to seek out innovative solutions, thereby enriching the market across various domains. Emerging technologies, such as the Intelligent Snoring Control System or Imperceivable Movement Desk Lifting System, not only address new needs but also open up entirely novel possibilities, ultimately contributing to the improvement of our world.
4.Given your extensive experience in product design, particularly in the kitchen and furniture industry, what specific elements or principles do you prioritize when designing products?
Good design should be functional, innovative, meaningful, usable, aesthetic and unobtrusive. When all characteristics come together, good design can be experienced. If products also touch you emotionally, then products take on a personal and special value. If you manage to make a product unique through the selection of materials, special details and design, something you like to touch and use, then a long-lasting and well-designed product is created. In my opinion, emotionality is important for good design.
A not entirely new aspect, but one that is also becoming increasingly important for us designers, is sustainability. Questions about the creation process, the materials used and recycling will be even more important in the future. We are increasingly unable to avoid this topic if we want to create good design.
5.What do you think about the future trends of furniture products in the global market and the Asian market? How should the manufactures to meet the changing market demands nowadays?
Manufacturers can confront future challenges by acknowledging the need for change. We are encountering significant shifts in various domains. Living space is increasingly limited and costly, while end consumers demand greater transparency and act more responsibly. Consumer behavior is evolving, with trends such as furniture rental concepts and certifications reshaping the market and products. Keywords for the future are sustainability, digitalization, smart furniture, e-commerce and individualization.
Manufacturers aiming to diverge from conventional approaches and drive substantial change must make significant initial investments, which will yield dividends in the future. A manufacturer that invests in research and development of new eco-friendly materials, collaborates with technology companies to integrate smart features, optimizes e-commerce platforms, and stays attuned to market changes will likely find success. Adopting a long-term perspective and proactively preparing for a sustainable, resource-efficient future is paramount for achieving enduring success.
