INEDIT

Initial situation

Due to the ongoing digitalization, the value requirements of customers are changing more and more towards intangible services and value promises. In the furniture industry in particular, demand for individualized and sustainable products is growing strongly. In order to precisely address the customer's requirements, new, agile and flexible development and production approaches must be used that allow the customer to participate even more actively in the design process. To support this, a tool is required that gives the customer access to a mix of digital and physical services and links them to all other stakeholders in the value chain.

Solution approach

As a tool for greater customer participation in the development and production process of individual furniture, an open platform is to be developed that can be accessed by a wide range of stakeholders throughout Europe. In addition to the digital and physical services on the platform, a novel concept of cooperation between different stakeholders will be created, in which different, independent parties act together according to a "do-it-together" principle. To ensure that all parties have a high incentive to cooperate and that the furniture is as sustainable as possible, business models are being developed specifically for this purpose. The tools and concepts developed are finally applied in the project in four use-cases in different European countries.

Expected result

The open platform creates a tool that allows private individuals, for example, to upload designs and drafts, which can then be implemented in cooperation with designers and manufacturers. The platform makes it possible to exchange information, test new technologies and manufacturing processes or to produce in cooperation without detours. Customers take part in the creation process of their furniture pieces and thus become an active part of the industry themselves. They even have the opportunity to market the furniture or benefit from the further use of their ideas.

The INEDIT platform thus brings together stakeholders within the value chain of furniture production who have so far been acting separately.

Benefits for the Target Group

The target group in this case is very large and diverse. From the designer to the end customer, it includes the entire furniture industry and the associated economic ecosystem. The furniture industry should thus become significantly more flexible, open and sustainable. Thus, through the targeted platform, pieces of furniture become more individual, cheaper, environmentally friendly and fairer.

Further Links

UdZ Article: "Concept for an International Co-creation Platform in the Furniture Sector"