No one seems to know where the idea of design-for-assemble (DFA) furniture comes from, but that ignorance has not stopped anyone from using the knowledge. Having a roomful of furniture fit into a car’s trunk when moving or shipped at little cost worldwide has changed how furniture-making works. The trend now favors furniture pieces that can be set up and disassembled quickly.
While brands like IKEA are dominating the DFA furniture space, there is no monopoly to it. Small and mid-sized businesses are also making DFA furniture and finding customers worldwide. What you should know is that some are doing it better than others. They are getting customers to return while some brands grapple with scathing customer reviews. The secret is often in the ease of assembly.
Once the quality and price of furniture are removed, the ease of assembly is the next thing many consider. If you have a furniture brand or want to buy a piece, the packaging design should be considered seriously. A good packaging design makes assembly easy, making you less likely to need an expert’s help. Let’s go deeper into how packaging design impacts furniture assembly.
How to Use Packaging Design for DFA Furniture
Flat packs or DFA furniture have gained relevance primarily because of their ease of assembly and portability. However, these purposes are not always fulfilled, especially the former. Users may struggle to assemble a piece with many small parts, and the manual may not be clear enough. That counts as poor service, and such a person will most likely never buy from the brand again. Therefore, brands need to ensure that their packaging design is user-centric. Here are some tips.
Use Clear Visual Instructions
Most people buying DFA furniture have never engaged in carpentry or furniture making before in their lives. Many just love DIY or have no other option. Therefore, you must make the manual as easy as possible. Firstly, use clear, simple words to write the instructions. Then, use drawings and other visual instructions to aid understanding.
Proper labeling of each part in the box and similarly in the manual also helps to make assembly easier. Use arrows and words like “This Side Up” to clarify confusing areas.
Invest in Durable Packaging Materials
Choosing the right packaging materials is essential to maintaining the safety and usefulness of the furniture. Therefore, furniture brands should invest in materials that can guarantee the safety of their products through transportation and storage. Corrugated cardboard boxes are common choices for furniture packaging design as they are strong enough to hold large weights and prevent rupture.
Other relevant materials include bubble wrap or foam sheets for protecting individual parts from scratches, strapping to secure the box, and corner protectors.
Have Organized Compartments
The box containing the furniture pieces should be well-organized and strong. Create compartments within the box for each part and ensure it is tailored to optimize space. Portability helps to minimize shipping volume and, consequently, cost, but more importantly, it helps to identify parts when it is time for assembly.
When organizing your compartments, label each and ensure the tag matches the identification in the manual. Having organized packaging for hardware components is more of functionality than aesthetics for users’ priority.
Benefits of Having a Great Packaging Design
Most comments on DTA furniture focus on the perspective of users, and fewer conversations are from the angle of manufacturers. While this is understandable, manufacturers are guided by users’ desires, whether vocalized or not. With that said, here are some benefits of having a user-friendly packaging design for furniture assembly.
Simplifies Assembly for Customers
The first and most prominent benefit of smart packaging for furniture is that it makes assembly easier for buyers. When furniture assembly instructions are clear, the customer can enjoy the process instead of experiencing an episode of DIY gone wrong. Therefore, simplifying furniture assembly is a goal manufacturers must work towards for their customers and the brand.
Improves Brand Loyalty
The influence of offering great packaging and user experience cannot be overemphasized with DFA furniture. People are more likely to buy again from a brand they had a good experience with and recommend it to others than with products that do not satisfy them. When it comes to furniture, the ease of assembly is a major prerequisite for many. This is an opportunity for manufacturers to improve and enhance their brand loyalty.
Final Thoughts
Intuitive packaging solutions are redefining how people relate to DFA furniture brands. As the trend shifts to convenience and more safety, businesses will have to level up or be sidelined. More people are tilting towards DIY than hiring experts for tasks like furniture making, and innovative brands must capitalize on this shift with strategies like smart packaging for furniture.