Ivanova, Ninela, Lo, Tong and Dewey, Vanessa, 2023, Printed Publication, Kingfisher design: Better for everyone: Project report: 10-week scoping study (Unpublished)
| Abstract or Description: | This project is a collaboration between the Helen Hamlyn Centre for Design (HHCD) at London’s Royal College of Art and the international home improvement company, `Kingfisher plc’. It sits within Kingfisher’s overarching ‘Better for Everyone’ strategy which has inclusivity at its heart and envisions homes that are better for all – across the life stage, level of ability, gender, ethnicity, etc., and without compromising on aesthetics and / or affordability. The brief was to explore and develop a deeper understanding of user needs, challenges, and aspirations in relation to kitchen and bathroom design, with both immediate application for their product range, and long-term impact for the business and brand. Key questions that informed the study design and project delivery include: Based on the insights gathered by Kingfisher to date, what are the research gaps that will require further investigation? Above and beyond existing challenges and immediate user needs and requirements, what is the high-end engagement experience people can expect from kitchen and bathroom design in their price range? What emergent design opportunities arise from the above insights? How do these compare to the current state-of-the-art in inclusive kitchen and bathroom design? What long-term and strategic opportunities lie ahead for inclusive kitchen and bathroom design? This project combined the benefit of an overview of academic and ‘grey’ literature, e.g., existing best practice and reports, together with the inclusive design research capabilities of the Helen Hamlyn Centre for Design. The main primary research method was a participatory workshop with a carefully selected group of 11 ‘lead users’, that took place on Monday 5 June 2023. This report presents the findings from the workshop and the literature review, which together form a portfolio of insights and innovation opportunities. These serve to inform both immediate design directions, as well as the wider ‘Better for Everyone’ Kingfisher vision. |
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| Contributors: | Contribution Name RCA ID Contributor Flory, Melanie 2110030041390 Contributor Gheerawo, Rama 9910030003467 |
| School or Centre: | Research Centres > Helen Hamlyn Centre for Design |
| Date Deposited: | 03 Dec 2025 10:51 |
| Last Modified: | 07 Dec 2025 00:21 |
| URI: | https://researchonline.rca.ac.uk/id/eprint/6638 |
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