If humanity can overcome the threatening impacts of fires, floods, droughts, scarcity, pandemics, migrations, wars, and the ominous effects of artificial
intelligence in the coming years, what kind of future will it live in? This question makes it challenging to imagine a future filled with uncertainties and
darkness. Nevertheless, in spite of these uncertainties, IKEA chooses to adhere to the belief that life will persist and be filled with beauty. To support this
conviction, the company presents three unique scenarios for life in 2030, each centering around individuals with different stories.
According to IKEA's Life at Home 2023 report, people are generally concerned about their financial situations and health. The report also indicates that values
often clash with tools. 48% of individuals claim that the increasing cost of living makes it costly to do more in response to climate change. 20% express the
desire to "grow our own food and generate our own energy." Additionally, the views of academics, consultants, and researchers on the future have been
incorporated.
Two disturbing trends stand out in IKEA's future scenarios. Maria Jeansson, IKEA's Global Foresight Leader, states, "No one knows exactly what the future holds,
so we are contemplating some potential situations that may look different." When looking at the bigger picture, two unsettling trends emerge among IKEA's
predictions. One is the increasingly unpredictable environmental and political climate. The other is the growing proficiency of artificial intelligence systems in
performing human tasks.
Now, let's take a closer look at IKEA's 2030 predictions:
Moving Home:
Ikea's first scenario for life in 2030 answers the question, "What is a home when it does not become a permanent point?" This scenario focuses on the story of
Jin, a young man living on the outskirts of Seoul, who temporarily settles in an apartment due to a flood. Jin engages in a business of frequently moving
capsule homes and conducts his work and social life mostly online.
Durable/Resilient Community:
The second scenario portrays a future where people want to provide their own energy and food. Some communities are already developing around
solar-powered microgrids. IKEA envisions a future where people live together to prevent social fragmentation and utilize bio-design to make communities
largely self-sufficient.
Observed/Nourished/Cultivated Home:
In the third and final concept, IKEA introduces the family of Jamie, a teacher living with his partner and two children in a farmstead in northern Sweden.
Embracing an eco-friendly lifestyle, Jamie's family must adhere to various rules and regulations. The home's artificial intelligence, functioning as an assistant,
assists the family in various aspects.
These scenarios reflect IKEA's vision for future lifestyles, taking into account environmental and political uncertainties, as well as the impacts of artificial
intelligence.