Take a look at the number of connected devices around you right now. If you’re working, there are likely quite a few—smart phone, computer, tablet, wearable device, sensors, and more. It’s all part of the Internet of Things (IoT), and it’s becoming a huge part of our lives. We can hardly go anywhere or do anything without it being tracked and connected to other devices somehow. This connectivity and new technology plays a huge role in workspace design, which is what our community discussed this week. What needs to be done to workspace and building design to keep up with tech trends and the IoT? No one knows for sure, but our members posed some great questions and weighed in with some fascinating insights.
The number of connected devices around the world is projected to grow at an astronomical rate, up to an estimated 50 billion devices in the next decade. According to National Workspace Strategy & Design Manager Bryan Parker, the workplace isn’t exempt from this rapid increase in IoT, and it will soon be expected that modern workplaces take advantage of the IoT. In fact, all community members agreed that IoT is a huge boost for workspaces, but it will take some work for organizations to truly be able to harness its power.
What does a connected workplace look like? A lot of it is up to the organization. Without being tied down to plugs and machines, companies have the freedom to create a space that best meets their needs and that can easily be transformed as needed. Some community members predicted that organizations will be able to give their employees freedom to design their own personal space to best meet their work goals and tasks. With devices that are connected no matter where they are, employees will have more flexibility as to where they work. We’ll likely see fewer offices with just desks, but instead more open areas, tailored machines, and moveable pieces to meet the needs of each team.