A collaboration between Ikea, Unyq and Area Academy presents the first prototypes from their series of 3D printed products for gamers which can be customised for individual use.

Worldwide, more than 2 billion people are gaming, a group that is growing steadily. However, when it comes to furniture design, customisation and accessibility, this group is surprisingly overlooked. Ikea aims to fill this gap with their collaboration.

”It’s actually striking how unexplored this part of the gaming industry is. Focus has always been on the hardware, and everything else has been ignored”, says Tommy Ingemarsson, founder and CEO of Area Academy.

Unyq is a design company offering customised 3D printed medical wearables and Area Academy provides courses and programmes within e-sports. Exploring the technique by Unyq, built upon an initial body scan to add a personal fit to the following 3D-printed products, it is possible to customise products after different physical needs and taste. In the long run, Ikea wants to apply the new learnings to other groups of people and customers with specific requirements.

Earlier, the three companies announced a stool that is customised for a gamer’s butt, which you can read more about here. The new series is called Uppkoppla and includes 3D printed key caps, a mouse bungee and a wrist band, of which prototypes were shown during the Democratic Design Days in Älmhult, Sweden, in the beginning of June. Other promised products are desk supporters, tables, and other gaming accessories.

The ambition is that new learnings from personalisation for gamers will lead to solutions also for people suffering from, for instance, physical disabilities or physical strains. It can also shorten the supply chains, minimise waste and shorten transports – ending up with more sustainable products.

Uppkoppla is planned to be available in 2020.

Images: Ikea