The Wedge Dowel was invented by prototype engineers at the IKEA pattern shop in Älmhult, Sweden. IKEA Designer Jon Karlsson has likened the pattern shop to a Santa’s workshop for industrial designers. In the pattern shop experts are able to build full-scale prototypes from simple sketches. It plays an indispensable part in the design process at IKEA.

The pattern shop is not only a place to construct objects in tried and tested methods – it’s also a place to experiment. Creativity and experimentation takes place in all aspects of furniture design – from assembly of products to improving comfort.