Software technology that optimizes furniture design and development across the product lifecycle – part 1

Product development hacks for furniture manufactures and makers

This content from this two part series highlighting software technology that optimize furniture design and development and the full product lifecycle, was originally shared during a session at 3DEXPERIENCE World 2025 by presenters Bo Zhao, Furniture software expert and Manoj Gajkeshwar, manufacturing strategy, Dassault Systèmes joined by Lucas Saden, CEO and maker at S-Concept.

State of the Furniture Industry

With major furniture companies and other interested audience members, Manoj and Bo kicked off their talk with a quick industry update at February’s 3DEXPERIENCE World 2025 in their session, ‘Revolutionizing Furniture Design and Consumer Experience.’ The duo revealed that consumer furniture demand is growing at double-digit rates. They explained why manufacturers come to Dassault Systèmes and our partners searching for the right software technology for furniture development to meet growing demand. Other industries have figured out how to offer configurable options and to speed up design to production both to reduce costs and shorten wait times for delivery and the furniture industry seems to be next.

Another key challenges facing furniture makers: how to address increased costs in material and labor because of macro-economic pressures; how to increase sales from e-commerce; and how to use software technology to improve the way they work. The good news? Engineers with the right software tools, become the front line to tackle problems ranging from cost reductions, improving efficiency and driving the tech behind e-commerce. When companies leverage both SOLIDWORKS and advanced product development and manufacturing tools on the 3DEXPERIENCE® platform (part of 3DEXPERIENCE Works), it’s possible to streamline design-to-manufacturing workflows, improve overall efficiency, and lower costs. Visit our furniture segment web page for more details.

The power of SOLIDWORKS for the furniture Industry

The 3DEXPERIENCE World SOLIDWORKS users learned why the the platform offers furniture designers software technology that optimizes furniture design and development across the product lifecycle. Software apps available on the platform provide access to powerful 3D modeling and simulation capabilities. Plus, it connects the entire project team and simplifies their work from concept through manufacturing to the product’s last mile delivery or interactive ecommerce experience. The integration with the 3DEXPERIENCE enables complete access to data, ensuring teams work on the latest validated versions. This eliminates communication gaps and reduces the risk of costly production errors. In addition to 3D modeling for developing detailed, precise furniture designs,  companies can speed up time to market by improving the full product lifecycle.

Connect SOLIDWORKS to the platform to speed products to market

Arguably the primary advantage of working on the 3DEXPERIENCE platform– the ability to access and share SOLIDWORKS design data in real-time—happens through a simple cloud access. Traditionally, engineers save SOLIDWORKS files locally on their PCs, limiting collaboration. By simply saving designs via the platform on the cloud, multiple stakeholders can securely access, edit, and validate the latest furniture model without version control issues.

Collaborate in real-time for better product innovation, faster design reviews

Working in tandem or separately, working on the same 3D model allows everyone to collaborate (anytime, anywhere) without dedicated meetings and all team discussions and input is captured. Formal processes of for design validation managed through the platform saves time. And, when all revisions and project changes are managed on the 3DEXPERIENCE platform there is full traceability. Traceability in furniture product development software on the3DEXPERIENCE platform, enables traceability from requirements to design, implementation, and validation. This helps organizations maintain a clear audit trail, ensure compliance with regulations, and streamline the product development process.

1/4

Generate complex shapes for furniture with advanced 3D tools

Another hack from software technology that helps you optimize furniture design and development, focuses on using generative design for complex shapes. As furniture manufacturers push design boundaries, Xshape Design—an advanced 3D modeling tool—simplifies the creation of complex surfaces and patterns. Unlike traditional methods, Xshape Design enhances efficiency, minimizes errors, and significantly reduces rework time. To access this generative design tool uses algorithmic and parametric design, SOLIDWORKS users simply connect with these mechanical design solutions on the platform.

In the design of the armrest (middle image above) the designer used 3D Pattern Shape Creator, to create beautiful patterns . This cloud based application gives engineers the ability to create and test different complex patterns . This tool combines 3D modeling with visual scripting, offering design flexibility.

1/3

Outdoor bench designed with SOLIDWORKS and 3DEXPERIENCE Works solutions.

Simplify complex furniture manufacturing with everyday apps on the platform

Consider this patio bench Lucas made (example above). Lucas accessed the platform to:

• Accelerated his design processes by using tool box to chose from a vast selection of standard supplier components.

• Simplify manufacturing processes with simple instructions from easy-to-generate 2D technical drawings.

• Speed up production with better planning and assembly of multiple furniture components via digital long-term manufacturing planning software.

Leveraging these advanced digital solutions helps furniture manufacturers improve efficiency, enhance collaboration, and deliver high-quality products faster. Part two highlights more of Lucas Saden and his small business and other examples of companies transforming design and manufacturing processes by exploiting SOLIDWORKS and 3DEXPERIENCE Works to transform they way they work and offer the end customer better products and experiences.