The Internet of Things (IoT) is impacting on all consumers, so it makes sense that the workplaces of the future are likely to include a variety of connected and smart appliances. UK consumers have been very accepting of smart assistants, such as Alexa, Siri and the Google Voice Assistant, in their private lives, and this type of smart technology is likely to dominate the workplace of the future.
Possible office design trends of the future
Some of the smart IoT tech trends that may feature in connected workplaces of the future include:
Built-in sensors, speakers and microphones for a variety of applications, including smart carpets, voice enabled lighting, biometrics and facial recognition technologies. And here are a couple more for designers to consider.
Anti-distraction technologies or a redesigned office layout for focus and productivity.
It’s likely that additional worker focus will be provided by way of anti-distraction technologies and enhanced workplace design layouts. Open plan office designs can make it very difficult to focus and work productively, and this is leading to greater emphasis on office design and the creation of spaces to suit different tasks. Software to prevent distractions and noise cancelling tech are also likely to make their way into the workplace.
Increased remote working means offices are used more as collaborative zones and purely as meeting spaces
Offices may also feature designs more conducive to workplace interactions and employee wellbeing. This is likely to include greater use of dead space to create meditation/exercise areas and more focus on collaborative and relaxation zones.
The growth in remote, home-based working may also mean the office is principally used as a meeting space. This could mean businesses need to look for a total design and build option to create the ideal workplace environment. It’s anticipated that many offices will look towards the collegiate designs offered by university faculties for inspiration. The potential design is likely to include space for casual worker encounters, hot desking and moveable fixtures and desks.
Environmental and congestion considerations are also likely to increase the numbers of employees working remotely in urban areas and the growth of Artificial and Virtual Reality (AR and VR) technologies will help ensure teleconferencing by remotely based workers becomes the way forward for many business organisations.
If you’re looking for a way to incorporate technology into your workplace design in an imaginative and often un-intrusive way, don’t hesitate to get in touch with Paragon Design Joinery to discuss your requirements in detail.