The Patterns of The Office

The Patterns ofThe OfficeElizabeth Katz and Erica Taylor

Analyzing Trends Spring 2016

Tim Stock

overall i think you need to look at better sourcing of the current trends. these need to be strong and help the design team see where things are going next. yes, the objective of this assignment is to pattern the present with the past... but the key there is to show what has changed... what is emerging as a code of behavior - what points us to where things will go next. if your current trends are too flat we can't see that future. try to source more specific products of space concepts that point us to an emerging code of meaning for offices and work. for example...http://www.fastcompany.com/3035569/the-future-of-work/forget-what-you-think-you-know-about-the-office-of-the-futurehttp://www.fastcoexist.com/3058090/the-office-of-the-future-will-be-natural-chair-less-and-designed-for-collaboration


HypothesisThe office of the past could be defined by a set time and space; however, the office of today is not so rigid, fostering an open sharing culture of ideas, collaborative work and resources.

2The OfficeElizabeth Katz and Erica Taylor

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“Where you innovate, how you innovate, and what you innovate are design problems.”-Tim Brown, IDEO

3Elizabeth Katz and Erica Taylor The Office


CODE

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IBM Selectric Typewriter, 1961efficiency

Signifiers

productive

easily operatedautomatic

(Left) Ad for the portable typewriter. (Right) Secretary at her desk circa 1950s

Because this product required less labor for the same written task, more work could be completed in a day, increasing the pace of office work.

This is a device that anyone can use, which increases the number of people qualified for the job and increases efficiency

Elizabeth Katz and Erica Taylor The Office

Analyzing Trends Spring 2016 5

YEZZ Sfera smartphone, 2016connection

CODE

Signifiersshare

virtual

augmentedreality

live

network

(Left)SharefeatureDetail

(Right)360° splitview

Smartphones are the new personal computer, featuring a 360 degree camera that makes virtual reality a reality



CODE

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Brooks Brothers “Gray Flannel Suit”, 1958conformity

Signifiers

sophistication

modern businessman

masculine

cosmopolitan

standard

success

(Left) Model wearing a modern gray flannel suit(Above) Businessmen look alike commuting in a city(Bottom) Office scene from the popular film “The Man in the Gray Flannel Suit” in 1956

After the war, flannel proved it was more than durable material, but that it could be used as a sophisticated material. It was the standard uniform for the majority of businessmen in the 1950-60s.



American Apparel Unisex Hoodie, 2004rank

CODE

Signifiers

sneakers

power

casual

freedom

“CEO casual”

(Above) Scene from The Social Network. (Center) Modern day business casual. (Right) Mark

Zuckerberg, CEO and Co-Founder of Facebook

Visual indicator of authority, class status or ranking. Informal becomes the new formal



Carter’s Midnight Carbon Paper, 1960knowledgeCODE

Signifierscopycleardistribution

(Left and Above) Ads for Carter’s Carbon Paper circa 1950s

Even hand-written marks are becoming more uniform. Although this saves time on making copies, there is a subtle loss of a human element.

Hand-written memos and other notes can be made into multiples without transcribing or rewriting; it’s one and done



Limbic® Intelligent Chair by Inno-Motion, 2011mobility

CODE

Signifiers

movement

agility

well-being

physical health


Limbic Intelligent chair in use

Ability for immediate transformation, that constantly stimulates the mind and body. Increases creativity and provides constant engagement


Mapping the past, present and future codes

PAST PRESENT POTENTIAL FUTURE

Ambiguous VersatilityConformity

Offices of the past were rigid

workspaces, limiting

creativity

As everything is more and more digitized, analog practices are not only dated, but

inefficient

All processes of life will be seamlessly

integrated, of technology in our

human lives

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ProductiveEfficient

Knowledge

VirtualTelecommute

Data

WearablesModular

Adaptability


Erica Taylor

http://www.howdesign.com/design-firm/future-office-design/

Tim Stock

i think you need to think this through a bit more.what is the critical take ways from the products you sourced?the past you frame seems to frame "conformity" and "efficiency"the present seems to be "ambiguous" am i home or at work?the future should flow from how that growing ambiguity is likely to evolve.


Key Insights● Offices of the past evolved from rigid and restricting

workspaces, to complete open layout; but are now returning to functional work environments

● Tools and technology are faster and smarter, allowing the worker to be the most creative tool.

● The future of offices prioritize well-being over efficiency, to ensure workers remain engaged, happy and creative.

● Wearable technology will be a tool used in the workplace to track efficiencies and improve wellness.

● Future offices will not be confined to walls, but rather controlled environments where people and departments can freely move around modular spaces


Tim Stock

i can't comment on insights... these need to be yours... i would make sure they are tighter though... short clear statements that build on the patterns in the slide before.. how the codes reveal the opportunity for innovation and design platforms


Thank you.Lizzy and Erica

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Data & Analytics

The Patterns of The Office