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Furniture-hacking community

A mobile app concept for furniture-hacking community that facilitates sharing and creating unique interior designs

As a part of our Product Challenge, we often create concepts for various industries, attempting to fill gaps in the customer experience. This time, our dedication to innovation led to the creation of a mobile app concept for interior design hackers. The goal is to centralize community-shared ideas for enhancing interior design in unique ways.

Expertise

Product discovery

Product design

Industry

Retail

Timeline

2 weeks

Problem

While there are many furniture manufacturers that propose affordable, functional, and minimalist designs, there’s untapped potential in the way consumers can interact with their products.

The concept of ‘furniture hacks' – where customers modify or repurpose furniture and home accessories beyond their intended use – has gained considerable popularity among DIY and interior design enthusiasts. This trend highlights a desire for personalization and creativity in home furnishing, which is not fully catered to by the standard offerings from furniture manufacturers. 

Moreover, the process of room makeover and interior design can be daunting for many, especially those who lack professional expertise but desire aesthetically pleasing and functional living spaces. At the same time, there's a growing trend among consumers seeking to elevate these basic pieces into more customized and high-end looking items. This aspiration, however, often clashes with the lack of clear guidance or inspiration. 

These crucial gaps in user experience prompted us to create a concept of a web app to fill them. It considers creative expression, practical solutions for room makeovers, sustainable living ideas, and community building among interior design enthusiasts. As a result, there’s a high chance of turning the process of buying and assembling furniture into an engaging, collaborative, and fulfilling journey.

Problem
Requirements
Challenge
Process
Technical Requirements

A result of the discovery phase is a centralized digital platform – a hub for the best hacks out there, verified for safety and enhanced with tips from a furniture manufacturer. This platform isn't just about showcasing ideas; it's about fostering a community and providing a space for interaction and innovation. 

Built in the form of a web application, it mimics an app's appearance and functionality but is actually a webpage. Unlike mobile apps, a web one will be easily accessible across various devices and platforms without needing to download anything. That's why we chose this solution. 

An interactive section within the app allows for publishing various hacking possibilities tailored to the consumer's desired level of intervention, from simple tweaks to complete makeovers. The hacks are categorized into three distinct levels based on difficulty and the extent of modification: Primps, Hacks, and True Makeovers, with growing difficulty of execution correspondingly. 

One of the unique aspects of our solution is its approach to monetization. Each idea comes with a list of necessary furniture and materials, complete with direct hyperlinks for online ordering from a specific furniture manufacturer. This seamless integration allows consumers to effortlessly purchase what they need to start their project and get it delivered right to their doorstep. 

Another core feature is the search algorithm bot that's supposed to automate the process of scouring the internet for the best interior design hacks. Here's a breakdown of functionalities that both manufacturers and their customers can benefit from: 

For manufacturers: 

  1. Advanced search algorithm that automates the discovery of user-generated hacks from various online sources, simplifying content curation.
  2. Content approval and display that enables internal review and enhancement of discovered content before publication.
  3. Publication paths in two approaches – verifying and adding insights to user-generated content, or the manufacturer reproducing popular hacks with their own creative spin.

For customers: 

  1. Diverse hacking levels
  2. Personalization and notifications
  3. Search and shop feature that facilitates searching by room or item and enables direct online shopping for materials.

In essence, this solution would transform the app concept into a synergistic ecosystem that benefits all parties involved. By using such an app, the manufacturer steps into the zero-waste PR narrative, engaging with the furniture hacking movement on its own terms and discovering new monetization avenues. Meanwhile, the customers gain inspiration for their DIY projects, enjoying the safety and added value from renowned design aesthetics. Finally, creative hackers get access to a broader audience, potentially becoming influencers with opportunities for collaborations with a global company. 

Such an app would not only foster a community but also bridge the gap between a global brand, its enthusiastic customers, and innovative creators.

The Challenge

As our dedicated team discovered the challenges that furniture buyers face, they decided to prepare an estimation for a proposed process of turning the idea into a reality.

During a focused 2-week discovery phase, our team would embark on a creative journey. It would start with an initial workshop with brainstorming sessions for gathering all ideas. Typically, this includes defining the app's functionalities, not just as features but as vital elements of an engaging user experience.

Additionally, this phase is designed to sketch the first outlines of the app's UX/UI, turning abstract concepts into preliminary wireframes. Last but not least, it’s preliminary to shape a unique product strategy, ensuring the app would stand out in the market.

After the workshops, the focus should shift to refining the strategy and moving the ideas from the drawing board to development. Wireframes should evolve into detailed user journey maps, providing a clear vision of the app's interface. A technical feasibility study would ensure our ambitious plans were grounded in practicality.

The next step is the development phase, which should take around 8 weeks if adopting an agile methodology. Its main goal is to break down the workload into manageable 2-week sprints.Each sprint is a flurry of activity, from planning to execution, punctuated by demo sessions where the progress is shared and feedback is integrated.

Communication is key throughout this phase. We always recommend using tools like Jira, Confluence, and Slack to ensure seamless collaboration and project tracking for everyone involved. 

Our Process

what partners say about us?

The code and the work were good quality and really what we were looking for. They were able to bring technical design thinking to the project. Project management was tight and I always knew what was happening.
Daniel Kiyoi
CEO & Founder Magic Dust
Apptension was flexible and professional. When I needed to quickly add capacity, it took a week or two at worst - often days. The cooperation enabled me to slowly scale up my own IT team, and the company was very helpful until the last moments of the transition.
Mateusz Oleksiuk
CEO LESS_
The technical creativity delivered by the team at Apptension was invaluable in the formation of our mixed reality start-up Hyper.
Nathan Sparshott
Co-Founder & CEO of Hyper
The SaaS Boilerplate Apptension built was a huge reason we were so successful, because all these little seemingly unrelated tasks and integrations needed to happen. If we had been working with anybody else, It would have probably taken months to do the same work.
Kwame Nyanning
CEO blkbx.
We needed their help to build the backend services and capabilities needed to deliver a production level on demand. Their ability to produce high-quality work with consistency while dealing with a new type of project was impressive.
Kelly O’Conor
Product Lead, Siberia
The project’s success has resulted in a long-term partnership for design and development. Apptension is a fantastic partner, who is willing to go above and beyond in order to deliver what the client needs.
Catarina Rocha
p(r)oud solutions
Apptension fared well in our project, working with our bespoke CMS and complex requirements. The designs were implemented well and the schedule was kept tight.
Christian Marc Schmidt
Partner at Schema
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Furniture-hacking community
A mobile app concept for furniture-hacking community that facilitates sharing and creating unique interior designs
About
As a part of our Product Challenge, we often create concepts for various industries, attempting to fill gaps in the customer experience. This time, our dedication to innovation led to the creation of a mobile app concept for interior design hackers. The goal is to centralize community-shared ideas for enhancing interior design in unique ways.

Expertise

Product discovery

Product design

Industry

Retail

Timeline

2 weeks

django
flask
react native
node.js
next.js
python
gatsby.js
vue.js
react.js
javascript
aws
docker
serverless
figma
photoshop
illustrator
after effects
firebase
blender
graphql
nuxt.js
Scss
typescript
apollo
saas boilerplate
styled components
D3
bigcommerce
bigquery
Wagtail CMS
Django Rest
redux
gsap
i18next
kubernetes
Google Cloud
Platform
rabbitmq
celery
Before
After
Prerequisites
Problem

While there are many furniture manufacturers that propose affordable, functional, and minimalist designs, there’s untapped potential in the way consumers can interact with their products.

The concept of ‘furniture hacks' – where customers modify or repurpose furniture and home accessories beyond their intended use – has gained considerable popularity among DIY and interior design enthusiasts. This trend highlights a desire for personalization and creativity in home furnishing, which is not fully catered to by the standard offerings from furniture manufacturers. 

Moreover, the process of room makeover and interior design can be daunting for many, especially those who lack professional expertise but desire aesthetically pleasing and functional living spaces. At the same time, there's a growing trend among consumers seeking to elevate these basic pieces into more customized and high-end looking items. This aspiration, however, often clashes with the lack of clear guidance or inspiration. 

These crucial gaps in user experience prompted us to create a concept of a web app to fill them. It considers creative expression, practical solutions for room makeovers, sustainable living ideas, and community building among interior design enthusiasts. As a result, there’s a high chance of turning the process of buying and assembling furniture into an engaging, collaborative, and fulfilling journey.

Challenge
Process

As our dedicated team discovered the challenges that furniture buyers face, they decided to prepare an estimation for a proposed process of turning the idea into a reality.

During a focused 2-week discovery phase, our team would embark on a creative journey. It would start with an initial workshop with brainstorming sessions for gathering all ideas. Typically, this includes defining the app's functionalities, not just as features but as vital elements of an engaging user experience.

Additionally, this phase is designed to sketch the first outlines of the app's UX/UI, turning abstract concepts into preliminary wireframes. Last but not least, it’s preliminary to shape a unique product strategy, ensuring the app would stand out in the market.

After the workshops, the focus should shift to refining the strategy and moving the ideas from the drawing board to development. Wireframes should evolve into detailed user journey maps, providing a clear vision of the app's interface. A technical feasibility study would ensure our ambitious plans were grounded in practicality.

The next step is the development phase, which should take around 8 weeks if adopting an agile methodology. Its main goal is to break down the workload into manageable 2-week sprints.Each sprint is a flurry of activity, from planning to execution, punctuated by demo sessions where the progress is shared and feedback is integrated.

Communication is key throughout this phase. We always recommend using tools like Jira, Confluence, and Slack to ensure seamless collaboration and project tracking for everyone involved. 

Requirements
Solution

A result of the discovery phase is a centralized digital platform – a hub for the best hacks out there, verified for safety and enhanced with tips from a furniture manufacturer. This platform isn't just about showcasing ideas; it's about fostering a community and providing a space for interaction and innovation. 

Built in the form of a web application, it mimics an app's appearance and functionality but is actually a webpage. Unlike mobile apps, a web one will be easily accessible across various devices and platforms without needing to download anything. That's why we chose this solution. 

An interactive section within the app allows for publishing various hacking possibilities tailored to the consumer's desired level of intervention, from simple tweaks to complete makeovers. The hacks are categorized into three distinct levels based on difficulty and the extent of modification: Primps, Hacks, and True Makeovers, with growing difficulty of execution correspondingly. 

One of the unique aspects of our solution is its approach to monetization. Each idea comes with a list of necessary furniture and materials, complete with direct hyperlinks for online ordering from a specific furniture manufacturer. This seamless integration allows consumers to effortlessly purchase what they need to start their project and get it delivered right to their doorstep. 

Another core feature is the search algorithm bot that's supposed to automate the process of scouring the internet for the best interior design hacks. Here's a breakdown of functionalities that both manufacturers and their customers can benefit from: 

For manufacturers: 

  1. Advanced search algorithm that automates the discovery of user-generated hacks from various online sources, simplifying content curation.
  2. Content approval and display that enables internal review and enhancement of discovered content before publication.
  3. Publication paths in two approaches – verifying and adding insights to user-generated content, or the manufacturer reproducing popular hacks with their own creative spin.

For customers: 

  1. Diverse hacking levels
  2. Personalization and notifications
  3. Search and shop feature that facilitates searching by room or item and enables direct online shopping for materials.

In essence, this solution would transform the app concept into a synergistic ecosystem that benefits all parties involved. By using such an app, the manufacturer steps into the zero-waste PR narrative, engaging with the furniture hacking movement on its own terms and discovering new monetization avenues. Meanwhile, the customers gain inspiration for their DIY projects, enjoying the safety and added value from renowned design aesthetics. Finally, creative hackers get access to a broader audience, potentially becoming influencers with opportunities for collaborations with a global company. 

Such an app would not only foster a community but also bridge the gap between a global brand, its enthusiastic customers, and innovative creators.

Roadmap
How it works
Solution

WHAT The CLIENT Said ABOUT this project?

what partners say about us?

The code and the work were good quality and really what we were looking for. They were able to bring technical design thinking to the project. Project management was tight and I always knew what was happening.
Daniel Kiyoi
CEO & Founder Magic Dust
Apptension was flexible and professional. When I needed to quickly add capacity, it took a week or two at worst - often days. The cooperation enabled me to slowly scale up my own IT team, and the company was very helpful until the last moments of the transition.
Mateusz Oleksiuk
CEO LESS_
The technical creativity delivered by the team at Apptension was invaluable in the formation of our mixed reality start-up Hyper.
Nathan Sparshott
Co-Founder & CEO of Hyper
The SaaS Boilerplate Apptension built was a huge reason we were so successful, because all these little seemingly unrelated tasks and integrations needed to happen. If we had been working with anybody else, It would have probably taken months to do the same work.
Kwame Nyanning
CEO blkbx.
We needed their help to build the backend services and capabilities needed to deliver a production level on demand. Their ability to produce high-quality work with consistency while dealing with a new type of project was impressive.
Kelly O’Conor
Product Lead, Siberia
The project’s success has resulted in a long-term partnership for design and development. Apptension is a fantastic partner, who is willing to go above and beyond in order to deliver what the client needs.
Catarina Rocha
p(r)oud solutions
Apptension fared well in our project, working with our bespoke CMS and complex requirements. The designs were implemented well and the schedule was kept tight.
Christian Marc Schmidt
Partner at Schema

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