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How Can IKEA Transform Government In The Post-COVID World?
Love or hate it; you have probably all been to an IKEA store. Personally, I am a fan. Big, bold and blue, the Swedish flat-pack furniture and interior store is a global legend. With 452 stores in 52 countries and $2.3 billion in revenues, most students, new home buyers or empty nesters downsizing probably have IKEA in their homes.
As a case in point, the six-shelf Billy bookcase is perhaps the most successful piece of furniture in history. Over 110 million have been sold and built at home since Ingvar Kamprad — IKEA’s founder — designed it over 40 years ago.
So what can the global magic of IKEA teach governments in the wake of the pandemic? It seems strange to ask, and you might be skeptical, but I think when it comes to design the answer might be everything. Here are five ways learning from IKEA can transform government programs and services for you and me.
1. Dream Maker: Inspiring Our Homes!
Like many big box home stores, IKEA sells cheap, self-assembly, flat-pack furniture, bath, kitchen and home interior furnishings. However, unlike its competition — and why it provokes such loyalty — is that IKEA does not sell furniture. It sells dreams.
