Who hasn’t looked in the mirror before leaving for work and felt discouraged before even stepping out of the house? A new mirror from IKEA aims to nip those self-esteem issues in the bud.
The “Motivational Mirror,” a prototype created by the Swedish furniture retailer, pays compliments to the person standing in front of it. The experimental product was launched in a trial at an IKEA store in London this month after research indicated residents of the United Kingdom were in need of a morale boost.
A survey commissioned by IKEA found 49 percent of British citizens receive no compliments in an average week, “despite 38 percent saying just one positive comment would make them smile and 26 percent revealing a kind word results in them liking themselves more,” according to a statement from the company.
Several of the mirror’s pre-programmed compliments include, “Have you been working out?,” “Your eyes are mesmerising” and “That’s a magnificent beard.”
IKEA stated the goal of the mirror is “to raise the nation’s egos.”
“We believe that starting the day positively … will have knock-on effects that shape not only the mood of the individual, but that of the nation,” said Myriam Ruffo, head of bedrooms and bathrooms, IKEA UK & Ireland.
Plans to market and sell the “Motivational Mirror” have not been announced. See it in action in this promotional video:
Clint Davis is a writer for the E.W. Scripps National Desk. Follow him on Twitter @MrClintDavis.
