Jeremy Gay / RCA Interaction Design
work well: inclusive furniture for older office workers
This project explores how work furniture can become more inclusive in design - addressing the specific needs of an ageing workforce while providing better solutions for everyone. Older people are often experienced and valued members of the workplace, but few work furniture designs exist that specifically address their needs. What precedents there are tend to be related to care furniture, which can have a stigmatising effect for users, particularly in environments with a wide mix of ages.
The research built up an understanding of user needs by soliciting feedback through online questionnaires, in-depth interviews, workplace ‘probes’ and site visits. The results were translated into a series of key findings related to three main issues: the lack of individual control and other usability problems at the workstation; the challenge of working flexibly in new locations; and the need to encourage a more proactive approach to health and learning at work. These observations provided a platform for product innovation. Nine new work furniture designs were developed to demonstrate an inclusive way of thinking.
Usability problems are addressed by an innovative meeting table, a lightweight movable screen and stacking chairs that visually encourage more active working habits. The challenges of new work locations are met by a new concept in hot-desking, stand-alone furniture for working in public spaces and a micro workstation to ease the strain of working on the move. A healthier, knowledge-sharing workplace is promoted through a device on task chairs with health-monitoring abilities, a circular seating system and a multi-functional concept for learning and team working. The exemplar designs are discussed in a Work Well book which documents the outcomes of the project.
Full details of the Work Well book can be found on our publications page.
