During a Stanford product design class, we were given the question, "How might IKEA help parents present a presentable front during Zoom calls during the COVID-19 pandemic?" Our solution was inspired by the understanding that parents value how they are perceived by their peers and seek acceptance in adult life, often influenced by the appearance of their homes. With the shift to virtual interactions, particularly on Zoom, the background visible during calls has become a representation of their home life, prompting a desire for presentable backgrounds and adequate lighting.

With the shift to virtual interactions, particularly on Zoom, the background visible during calls has become a representation of their home life, prompting a desire for presentable backgrounds and adequate lighting. Recognizing this need, we envisioned a service that IKEA could offer. Parents could go online, identify the items they believe are necessary to create a presentable environment, and set a budget. The IKEA website would then suggest curated options based on their inputs, allowing them to choose items tailored to their preferences. Afterward, IKEA would deliver these selected options to their doorstep.

Once the items arrive, parents can examine the choices in person and design their workspaces with the selected options at their fingertips. Essentially, IKEA would bring the store to them, facilitating a seamless process for parents to enhance their home environment for virtual meetings. This service not only acknowledges the evolving dynamics of work and home but also addresses the desire for a presentable front on Zoom, providing a practical solution for parents navigating the challenges of remote work and virtual interactions.