Below are quotations from the 2017 IKEA catalog, followed by some reflections on my practice as a family educator in museums. #deadserious
Imperfect is perfect enough: The “perfect” dinner party doesn’t exist…Friends, family and neighbors are all invited. Push together the tables, put a handful of flatware in a jar and grab any seat you can find. This is a family-style dinner where it’s ok to spill–and put your elbows on the table. (12)
- Family programs are messy and informal.
- Family programs might not meet expectations. As educators, we can let go of our picture of what a “perfect” family program looks like. Also, we can communicate to participants that the outcome might not match their expectations…and that that’s ok.
- “Family” is a big tent: everyone is invited. When everyone is invited, things get messy and sometimes elbows can get in the way. That’s all part of it. That’s the work and the joy.
The no-rules family dinner: These days, the family dinner is whatever – and wherever – we want it to be. But there’s one thing we can all agree on – that being together is what we care about. A comfy dining spot we never want to leave is where we tell our stories, create memories and throw out the old rules. So eat at the table. Eat under the table. Eat on the sofa. Or eat in a tent. As long as it’s together. (14)
Share a meal – anywhere: …The days of “have to” are over. Go ahead and eat around a coffee table. Sit on the sofa. Or on the floor. Because it doesn’t really matter where we eat – just that we get to be together. (24)
Chaos-free company: The living room is a busy place. It’s a snug spot for relaxing, a hub for socializing as a family, and the room of choice for everyone to do their own thing…Comfortable yet clever seating for every body in the house, and smart storage for tidying up diverse interests creates space for what truly matters – getting all those bodies together. (88)
- Family learning spaces should be flexible enough to accommodate different types of learners.
- Accessibility is not a luxury, an afterthought, or a “nice thing to do”: it is necessary to get people together, to create what truly matters.
- Comfort leads to sharing, storytelling, risk-taking, and memory-making.
- Above all, families value togetherness.
The passion project table: The dining table has long been used for a lot more than just eating. So we’re breaking with tradition and renaming this one the “project table” – a hub of the home where everyone gathers to play and work (a little). Here are all of the books, supplies and good lighting needed to plan a far away trip, do some homework or make something beautiful. It’s a convenient, cozy spot to get creative. (18)
- Different activities can take place in the same space, provided the workstation is flexible and convenient. Activities can serve different audiences in the same space at the same time.
- Having materials and inspiration close at hand promotes creativity.
- Adults can model work and play for children in the same space.
- Understanding the reality of how spaces are being used helps us meet the needs of current visitors and strategically plan for the future.
- A well-designed space can encourage creativity by allowing users to alternate between learning modalities (and signalling that such shifts are desirable).
The dream dining area: The dining area is where we gather – to share a meal, tell stories and make grand plans. It’s important to get it just the way you want it because the atmosphere helps create these moments – big and small… (21)
- The very act of gathering is generative: together time can lead to storytelling, ideation, and planning.
- Design matters: atmosphere creates opportunities to deepen connections and increase feelings of affiliation.
Stress-free socializing: …It’s the no-expectations dinner party, where it’s ok to put your guests to work. Everyone cooks together in an atmosphere that’s casual and cozy – a pressure-less affair that allows you to be the guest too. (36)
- Invite families to become co-creators: solicit input and receive it joyfully, authentically, and with gratitude. Relax the hierarchy of designer/facilitator and participant.
- Museum staff are people, too. Programs that allow facilitators to relax and enjoy the experience make for happier times for everyone.
Cooking is the best part of the meal: In this family kitchen, there are never too many cooks. All of the counter space can be found on the big island, a place to stand elbow-to-elbow while each peels, chops and dices up their part of the meal…It ensures that everyone can be involved in a family ritual that brings us closer – and creates some messy memories. (46)
- Activities designed for different bodies, ages, and interests can happen in parallel while moving toward a shared goal.
- Rituals promote feelings of security and confidence.
- The mundane is extraordinary and can be an opportunity for families to make memories together.
Climbing and cuddling: Precious moments with our kids are the memories that stay with us. But in the everyday, it can be hard to find time for those moments. So we came up with an unconventional fix. We brought the bunk bed out of the kids’ room and put it in the living room – giving it a refined and mature aesthetic. It’s part jungle gym and part cozy sofa, a piece that lets kids be kids and adults be adults – together. (90)
Tidy toys, happy parents: The living room is the together room – a place for parents to unwind and kids to play. But in many homes, playtime is when the toy box explodes with books, blocks and stuffed bears. Handsome toy storage can be hung low or placed on the floor, making it easier for kids to reach. This way clean-up can happen as a family – a moment of togetherness that also restores a bit of sanity. (116)
- A well-designed space opens opportunities for togetherness that otherwise would pass us by.
- Spaces can be structured to encourage us to be our best selves, help each other, and do good. Anyone of any age can contribute to “shalom in the home.”
- Aesthetics are important for everyone. Children’s materials and storage can be pleasing to kids and grown-ups alike, encouraging everyone to take care of communal spaces.
Small acts, big change: Most of us are aware of the impact our daily lives can have on the planet, but “being sustainable” feels like a big job. The thing we often forget, though, is that we’re not supposed to do it alone. The key is finding small ways to do our part. Because when we add up these small acts, that’s when the big change really happens. (61)
Why good design is democratic: …Democratic design helps us raise the bar for making better products for more people – better because they’re developed with an understanding that people want things that work and make life easier (function), that are beautiful (form), demand value for money (quality), care about the planet (sustainability), and are affordable (low price). (171)
I mean, that’s it, right?
mindful museums 