Spatial Design at Ikea

By Steve Wang

- Ikea likes to place things in grids, creating a sense of order and organization. They also stack the grids, utilizing vertical space efficiently. The entire store is laid out in grids and sections.

- Warm and cozy spotlights:

1. Ikea tends to put their products under spotlights to create a warm and cozy atmosphere. The spotlights are not too strong, slightly highlighting certain products and adding to the overall ambiance.

- Main colors: Blue (signs) and grey (floors):

1. Blue and red signs are used to draw attention to specific areas or products. The grey floors look clean and do not distract attention from the products. White arrows are also used to indicate directions.

- Big red signs and red price tags:

1. Ikea prominently places big red signs to draw attention to the items for sale. They also make the price tags red to further highlight the discounts. Each area usually has a few discounted products.

- Creating a warm and comfy house:

1. Ikea places items like plants, coffee mugs, and trays in different areas to create a warm and cozy feeling reminiscent of a comfortable home. The goal is to inspire customers and make them more inclined to purchase the products.

- Various signs throughout:

1. Ikea has signs throughout the store, including toilet signs, directional signs, and sale signs. The store is designed to make customers slightly disoriented, allowing the staff to assist and guide them to the right areas.

- Blue signs and white arrows:

1. Ikea provides blue signs with white text to indicate where customers should go. They also have white arrows on the floor, using light projections instead of painted arrows to prevent fading or deterioration.

- Normal prices and sale prices:

1. Normal prices are displayed in white with black text, sometimes with a touch of red. Sale prices are shown in red and yellow, with yellow or black text to indicate special offers or good deals.

- Seating and restaurants:

1. Ikea offers seating areas and restaurants, providing customers with places to rest and eat. By catering to customers' basic needs, they encourage them to spend more time exploring the store.

- Varying visibility:

1. The visibility in the store varies from area to area. Some areas allow customers to see far, while in other areas, their view may be limited to their immediate surroundings. This variation prevents monotony and adds interest to the shopping experience.

- Displaying ads and creating ambiance:

1. Electronic devices and displays are mainly used to showcase advertisements. They are also used as props to enhance the ambiance and create immersive environments. Screens attract people's attention and contribute to the overall atmosphere.

- Easy navigation with wide hallways:

1. Ikea ensures easy navigation with wide hallways. Multiple people can walk side by side without any issues. The store provides clear paths for customers to follow. However, finding a specific product may be challenging due to the store's vast size.

- Multisensory input:

1. Ikea provides various inputs to engage customers. This includes sound inputs like bird sounds and music, visual inputs through product displays and price tags, and olfactory inputs that create the scent of furniture or floral fragrances. These enhance the overall shopping experience.