IKEA once again manages to surprise with an unconventional gadget – this time it’s a miniature bed, not for humans but for your smartphone. The new product, offered exclusively to customers at IKEA branches in the UAE, is designed to encourage healthier habits for mobile phone use before bedtime. Inside the tiny bed is an NFC chip that detects when the phone is “asleep” – that is, when it is placed in the bed without movement for at least seven consecutive hours. Those who manage to maintain this routine for a full week will receive vouchers to use at IKEA.
The initiative, which sounds like a combination of a marketing gimmick and a behavioral experiment, is intended to remind consumers of the importance of disconnecting from screens at night. IKEA explains that the product aligns with the brand’s values in the areas of home well-being and health, emphasizing the connection between good sleep and a tidy, calm environment.
The small bed is not sold separately but is given to customers who purchase products worth at least 200 dollars. Alongside the humorous touch, it is also a marketing move that attracts worldwide attention – not only because of the creative idea but also thanks to the message behind it: Sometimes, even our phone deserves a night without a screen.