We redesigned the John Lewis Pole Bar! Here’s how we made good even better.

The John Lewis Pole Bar is a familiar sight, often found in high-end hospitality venues, trendy bars, and maybe even in your home? This category leading range of mix & match curtain poles has long been a benchmark for window furnishings. But here at Mouse, we thrive on challenges – especially when it means taking a great product and elevating it to be even better. So, when the opportunity arose to give this iconic home decor solution a fresh look and feel, we seized it!

Our mission extended beyond a simple aesthetic refresh. We aimed to set a new standard for window furniture design, emphasising uncompromising quality, intuitive ease of use, and a unparalleled customer experience.

The Challenge: Elevating an Icon Through Product Innovation

The John Lewis Pole Bar was already a market leader in curtain pole systems, so our approach was one of refinement, not reinvention. We embarked on a strategic exploration into product enhancement, treating every single component as a miniature design and engineering project. Our goal was to improve the entire user journey, from the initial consideration and purchase to seamless DIY fitting and years of reliable enjoyment.

“We didn’t just want to update the Pole Bar; we wanted to fundamentally reimagine it,” says Ben, co-founder of Mouse. “Every single detail was scrutinised through a user-centric design lens, from the tactile feel of the components to the simplicity of DIY installation. Our focus was entirely on making life easier and better for the end-user.”

Our Design Journey: From Concept to Your Window – A Case Study in Excellence

How do you make an already great interior design product even better? With immense passion and precision! Our product development process was incredibly hands-on and iterative:

• Block Modelling: We began by building out the core structures, meticulously defining how every element would integrate, ensuring optimal product architecture.
• Serious Testing: We partnered with a diverse range of suppliers, rigorously pushing the limits of each component to ensure durability, reliability, and peak performance under various conditions. This was crucial for quality assurance.
• Advanced CAD Design: Our team leveraged cutting-edge Computer-Aided Design (CAD) software to fine-tune every dimension and detail, ensuring absolute precision and manufacturing readiness.
• 3D Printing Prototypes: Rapid prototyping through 3D printing allowed us to physically evaluate components early in the cycle, enabling quick testing and refinement of design concepts.

This approach allowed us to iron out even the tiniest kinks in the curtain pole design. The result? A Pole Bar system that’s a dream for DIY home improvement, simpler for John Lewis to stock efficiently due to optimized logistics, and incredibly robust for everyday life. This innovative redesign also delivered an impressive 10 years of prime retail space.

We’re incredibly proud of how this design project turned out. It’s a perfect example of how thoughtful product design can transform something excellent into something truly exceptional. We believe the John Lewis Pole Bar isn’t just a product; it’s a seamless and superior window furnishing experience.

Ready to elevate your product? Contact Mouse, your trusted product design agency, and let’s make good even better, together.