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32   DESIGN                                                                       MAR/APR 2026 FDM ASIA | www.fdmasia.com






         PICRYL                                              was performed to provide context and background for the
                                                             research.
                                                                This involved studying scholarly articles and industry reports
                                                             that highlight the changes of furniture design and current trends.
                                                                The literature review helped in understanding the findings
                                                             of survey and interview and their interrelation.  The three

                                                             data—survey results, interview findings, and literature—were
                                                             collectively  analysed  to  attain  a  thorough  understanding  of
                                                             the topic.
                                                                This approach allowed the study to explore various viewpoints
          but we don’t know if it is because of the market or changing   through which the study could be confirmed and validated.
          preferences that has led to this change. This study shall help
          to answer it.                                      Survey 1: Insights From Industry Professionals
            This research utilises a mixed-methods strategy, combining   Among the respondents, 87 percent identified as architects, with
          both qualitative and quantitative methods within a framework of   30 percent of them possessing over 10 years of professional

          data triangulation to explore the shift from traditional handcrafted   experience and 20 percent having less than two years of
          furniture to modular furniture.                    experience.
            Using various data collections improves the reliability of   Within this group, 29 percent were affiliated with architectural
          the findings by providing a range of viewpoints.   firms  or  academic  institutions,  while  24  percent  operated  as
            Data gathering included an online survey, interviews, and   freelancers or firm owners.
          literature review.  Two surveys were conducted with Survey   Additionally, eight percent were involved in contractor-based
          1  (57  respondents)  who  were  professionals  in  the  field  and   roles. This reflects a professionally diverse sample, consisting

          Survey 2 (100 respondents) who were end-users.     of a blend of practice, academia, and entrepreneurs.
                                                                Among industry professionals, those with over two years
          The purpose of the survey was to understand what   of experience show a clear preference for handmade furniture
          drives                                             (24%) over modular (16%), whereas those with less experience
          preferences, reasons for choosing specific furniture types,   prefer both equally.
          cost, durability, and aesthetics.                     Industry  professionals  highlighted  quick  delivery,  modern
            It also examined whether participants preferred handmade   aesthetics, and affordability as the primary reasons for preferring
          or modular furniture. The quantitative results were analysed to   modular furniture.
          detect trends and patterns in consumer behaviour.     In  contrast,  handmade  furniture  was  favoured  for  its

            For qualitative insights, interviews were held with professionals   potential  for  customisation,  distinctive  design  features,  and
          such as carpenters, interior designers and modular furniture   extended durability.
          employees in the furniture industry.                  Despite  these  differences,  modular  furniture  is  largely
            The conversations concentrated on topics like the changing   selected for applications such as kitchens, wardrobes, and
          trends  in  furniture  production,  the  materials  utilised,  and  the   sofas, according to industry insights.
          expectations of contemporary consumers.               Professionals reported the main challenges associated with
            In addition to the survey and interviews, a literature review   modular furniture to be limited customisation options, concerns
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