Your future home - Visioned by IKEA for 2030 and beyond

The home of 2030 might surprise you. 宜家 's latest report shows a picture of homes that could be smarter, greener, and more adaptable than ever before.

The report is based on a research undertaken for 10 years (!!!) and includes both surveys across 38 countries, but also foresight methodology as applied by Human Futures Studio . I find the material very well structured around:

• drivers / trends shaping the future of homes - so what is (not) changing?
• critical uncertainties - aspects with high degree of uncertainty, which are polarised towards 2 possible directions of evolution
• scenarios - 3 possible futures, unique in their own way
• artifacts from the future - in the form of Stories from the life of 3 personas. I really like this part, these a artifacts offer a tangible sense of how our routines and interactions might change!

But let's start with what forces are shaping this future:

1. Doing more vs. Doing less:

With 24% of respondents sometimes working from home, we can say that our living spaces have become productivity hubs. However, this clashes with the need for relaxation, as 43% cite relaxation as their top home priority. The challenge lies in balancing productivity with the need for rest and relaxation.

2. Togetherness vs. Privacy:

According to the report, only 45% feel their home provides enough privacy for everyone living there. Conversely, 35% say hugs from loved ones are among the most enjoyable aspects of home life. This tension highlights the struggle to find personal space while maintaining close connections in shared living environments.

3. Living well vs. Living within our means:

This was a really interesting exploration! While many aspire to live sustainably, 48% find it too expensive to do more for climate change. This economic barrier shows the challenge of making eco-friendly choices accessible to all, not just the financially privileged.

Now the big questions!

As we look into the future, several critical uncertainties seem to emerge:

• What would we want in the future: Communal belonging or individual privacy?
• How much tech we allow in our lifes: Autonomous technologies or Individual control?
• What will we desire: New experiences or Permanent stability?
• What would be our relationship with the nature: Controlling nature or Harmonious nature?

These questions emphasise the complexities we face in shaping our future homes and lifestyles. Furthermore, the report illustrates 3 possible futures for life at home that reflect on these uncertainties.

Home-on-the-go

This scenario envisions a world where people live in multiple "homes" to foster resilience. This future emphasizes individual progress, privacy, and new experiences, all supported by personalized technology.

Food for thought: “What if there wasn’t just one home, but multiple homes to help people foster resilience in their every day and nurture themselves?”

Resilient communities

In this future, people live in separate, self-reliant communities.. This scenario focuses on communal belonging and stability, with less reliance on technology and more on community skills and resources.

Food for thought: “How can our homes foster our sense of identity and togetherness without further alienating distinct communities from one another?”

A nurtured home

This scenario adapts to climate crisis realities through smart home systems and eco-initiatives. This future balances individual control with harmonious living alongside nature and technology.

Food for thought: “How might our relationship with both technology and nature allow us to live with a more regenerative mindset?”

One of the most fascinating aspects of the IKEA report is its exploration of "future artifacts" - glimpses into the daily lives of people in the coming decades.

For instance, in the first scenario we meet Jin, who uses a personalized AI advisor to monitor his living administrative requirements. This technology makes travel easier in a world of fluctuating prices and potential border closures, allowing Jin to easily move between his multiple "homes."

In the Resilient communities future, we see Angela and Patricia installing bio-solar wallpaper that generates electricity from sunlight, combining sustainability with retro aesthetics. Their community also built a 3D-printed anaerobic digester for processing biowaste, showcasing their commitment to self-reliance and eco-friendly living.

We also meet Jamie, whose home is managed by an AI called Gaia. This system monitors energy use and overall wellbeing, suggesting improvements based on accurate climate and health forecasts for the next six months. It even adjusts the home environment to manage Jamie's anxiety levels.

These "day in the life" scenarios in the report provide a rich, human-centered view of how technological and social changes could reshape our daily experiences.

These tensions and scenarios challenge us to rethink our homes not just as living spaces, but as adaptable environments that must balance productivity, privacy, sustainability, and community in an ever-changing world. As we look to the future, IKEA's report prompts us to consider how our homes can evolve to meet these complex and sometimes conflicting needs.

“By building multiple futures scenarios, we can explore emerging needs and ensure that IKEA can continue to be a relevant partner for life, making everyday that little bit better for the many people, today and tomorrow” - Maria Jeansson, Global Foresight Lead for Life at Home Report

The reality of 2030 could be a blend of these visions, shaped by our collective choices and innovations.?Sharing ideas is an excellent way to improve creativity. So, leave a comment with your vision for the home of 2030. What future needs do you think it should solve?

The future is ours to shape – let's make it a good one!