How People Wake Up Around the World: Insights from Ikea’s Life at Home Report
Ikea, the Swedish home furnishings giant, recently released its latest Life at Home report, which explores how people wake up in eight different cities around the world: Berlin, London, Moscow, Mumbai, Paris, Shanghai, Stockholm, and New York. The report provides fascinating insights into the morning routines of people from diverse cultures, shedding light on cultural differences and behavioral patterns.
Morning Routines Across Cities
One of the most striking findings of the report is the variation in morning routines across cities. For example, New Yorkers and Stockholmers are more likely to work on the toilet than residents of any other surveyed city. In contrast, people in Mumbai and Shanghai are much more likely to wake up quickly and spend time exercising or reflecting in the morning.
Breakfast Habits
Breakfast habits also vary significantly from city to city. Coffee or tea with breakfast is the norm for at least 50% of people in every city except Shanghai, where only 16% of respondents said they enjoy coffee or tea with breakfast. In Shanghai, respondents are also more likely to eat breakfast with other people, although less than 30% said they talk with their children or partner in the morning.
Cultural Differences
These findings highlight the cultural differences that shape our morning routines. In Mumbai, for example, the fast-paced lifestyle may contribute to the tendency to wake up quickly and spend less time on breakfast. In Shanghai, on the other hand, the emphasis on community and family may explain why people are more likely to eat breakfast with others.
Ikea’s Data-Driven Design
Ikea’s Life at Home report is not just an academic exercise. The company uses this data to inform the design of its products and stores. By understanding how people use their homes and how their morning routines vary, Ikea can create products and spaces that meet the needs of its customers.
The Data Mixing Board
The second part of the Life at Home report includes a “new digital tool – the Data Mixing Board” which allows users to play with raw data from the survey. This tool is a valuable resource for researchers, designers, and anyone interested in exploring the data in more detail.
Conclusion
Ikea’s Life at Home report provides a fascinating glimpse into the morning routines of people around the world. The report highlights the cultural differences that shape our daily lives and demonstrates how data can be used to create products and spaces that meet the needs of diverse populations.
