Itoki, which has manufactured steel shelving for factories for many years at its Kyoto factory, has created "new office furniture" by combining "tradition" and "challenge." This office furniture prioritizes "user safety and comfort" over ease of manufacture -- that's "common furniture."
This time, we spoke to members involved in the design, manufacturing, and quality assurance departments about the product's development process and the attention to detail that went into its development.

Iwasaki: Please tell us about the unique features and novelty of "common furniture."

Inomoto (design): "common furniture" is office furniture that is "easy to use and friendly." Until now, our Kyoto factory has manufactured shelving products for use in factories and back yards. This time, while retaining the same sturdiness, we have incorporated new elements such as coloring that blends in with the office space and wooden tops. Rather than being overly decorative, this furniture allows workers to create their own space and expand the possibilities for use.

Onoda (Quality Assurance): "common furniture" is designed to be used in offices, so the standards required are different. Because higher quality than before is required, we conducted quality confirmation tests based on two pillars: "strength" as a shelving product and "safety" as a desk.

Nishimura (Manufacturing): Having them in the office means that there are more opportunities for them to be touched by people. That's why we had to deburr all the edges and make them smooth to the touch. This is a process that we hadn't done before, but for safety reasons, we now check with our fingertips to make sure the burrs have been properly removed.

Nishimura (Manufacturing): We also increased the length of the reinforcement on the back of the product by 10 mm. This eliminates any small gaps that may have formed, improving safety to prevent injury to the user. Previously, the work of inserting the reinforcement was done by robot, but at common furniture, it is done by hand.

It takes time and effort to do it by hand, but when I see the reinforcement without any gaps, I feel proud that "this can be used safely in offices too." Thanks to detailed explanations from designer Inomoto-san about the actual situations in which it will be used, we were able to pour love into every single part of the product.

Shiotani (Design): "common furniture" is a product that is often specially ordered. When an order comes in for a size other than the existing sizes, I handle it. The requests for changes are so diverse that it takes time to make the adjustments, but I'm happy to think that it will be used in many offices.

Iwasaki: Unlike previous shelving products that were intended for use in back rooms, this one was designed to meet office standards, so there were some challenges involved!

Iwasaki: I think "common furniture" has an aspect of being a "high-maintenance child" unlike any other you've seen before, but what was the moment you felt affection for it?

Onoda (Quality Assurance): I grew more and more attached to the work as I repeatedly performed quality confirmation tests and environmental tests. When a product failed, I would say, "If we fix this, it will be a better product!" and I found the process of thoroughly investigating the cause to improve it to be interesting. Sometimes the cause cannot be determined just by looking at the results from the machine, so I make improvements by touching it with my hands a lot. I really felt that I was growing together with "common furniture."

Inomoto (Design): I will never forget the moment when "common furniture" was exhibited in the showroom. Although we made many adjustments to fit the office standards, we were worried about whether it would suit the office. But when we actually saw it on display, we thought, "Wow, they did it!" It blended in with the office even better than we had imagined. We also had a hunch that it would break new ground for products from the Kyoto factory, which had previously only been used in the backroom.

Shiotani (Design): The thing that made me happiest was when customers praised our products at exhibitions. Working in a factory, it's hard to imagine how happy customers are, so I feel proud when a sales representative says, "That was great!"

Nishimura (Manufacturing): When you can see customers actually using the product, you feel even more attached to it.

Iwasaki: Being recognized is a big point. When you can see that you are helping someone, it makes you more passionate about your work!

Iwasaki: As a creator, is there anything you'd like people to pay attention to about "common furniture"?

Nishimura (Manufacturing): As a manufacturer, I would like you to pay attention to the edges, where every corner has been deburred. I can confidently say, "It gives you a different sense of security when you touch it on a daily basis!"

Onoda (Quality Assurance): I went through a lot of trial and error to come up with this tabletop! We put it through numerous environmental tests to make sure it wouldn't swell with humidity during the rainy season, and that the adhesive wouldn't melt and peel off on hot days. I hope you'll take a look.

Shiotani (Design): I'm proud that the "strength" of the Kyoto Factory shelving products has been inherited not just in one place, but throughout the entire product. I also want people to know the fun of assembling the products without using screws, but by using a hammer to fit them together. Even though they have become office standards, the "high durability" of the Kyoto Factory shelving products remains strong. Another charming feature is that the ITOKI logo is engraved on the product.

Inomoto (Design): We've actually changed the packaging method, wrapping the products in plastic before packaging them in cardboard. From start to finish, "common furniture" is filled with love from the production team. We hope it reaches as many people as possible.

It is precisely in these "extra-time" parts that the craftsmen's pride and love for their products reside. "common furniture" has evolved into a fascinating product precisely because it has been polished with great care.
Its unique appeal creates new value as office furniture that is unique to ITOKI.