Here, any person who would regularly commute into the city for work, multiple times in any given week, could opt to register for, and sign up to the use of a space that would be on offer, close to their home. This facility would offer all aspects that an individual's regular office would; complete with conference rooms, kitchen facilities, printers and office supplies, and working spaces. This space would be available to anyone, who, on any given day, was able chose not to drive into work.
Here is an example of a floor plan for a potential shared space design.
This is also where the concept of 'The Device' came this. The Device would act as a piece of software that could allow immediate, and virtual connection, between an employer and employee, or teacher and student, who were in separate locations. This would also eliminate the barrier of being able to ask questions, or communicate, that is often associated with a facility like this.
IDEA
Offices or Schools who are willing to participate in the’ working from home’ plan (or collaborative office spaces closer to home) will buy this ‘device’ and sign up to the app/website. Employees/Students who aren’t in the office/classroom will sign up to the website also.
The Device
The device will be a small orb which can be placed on the table of any meeting/desk/lecture/class room and will be facing the teacher/boss. The top half of the orb is a light. This glows different colours which have different meanings so the teacher/boss is aware that someone has signed into the live stream or has a question. On the top half of the orb is also a camera and microphone which will live stream to those at home. The bottom half is a speaker. This will be used as a way for students/employees to communicate with the boss/teacher. The device has USB ports at the back so the teacher/employer can plug it into their laptop and change settings as well as download all the data about who signed in to participate etc.
The App/Website
Once signed up, each person will be able to locate a shared office space near their home. A booking system for this space will be available to use and you will also be able to see who else from your class/work will be working from ‘home’ and where/when.
Once the boss/teacher has activated the device you can view the live stream from either your laptop/projector etc. When you begin the live stream this will make the device glow green for a few seconds to let them know you are now active.
During the live stream you are able to ask questions by sending a voice recording or written question.
The voice recorded question will make the device glow blue and will stay blue until the boss/teacher pushes down on the device, hears your question and can respond. The written questions will also be sent to the device but get audio translated so the Teacher/Boss doesn’t have to stop and read questions.
Solution
This device and app combo aim to resolve the issue of driving stress for commuters. By removing the lengthy drive to work or Uni it allows them to connect with others in the shared spaces as well as still feel connected to the classroom/office/meeting. They will be able to actively participate as if they were physically there as well as participating in their new environment with different social circles. They won’t have the distraction of home and they can still have the professional feel with all the office facilities. This allows them to keep learning about what is going on in the office/classroom without having to spend extra time and energy getting there. They are now able to give more time and effort at a higher level because they do not have the added stress of commuting. This improves their productivity as well as their wellbeing.
No comments:
Post a Comment