Leveraging Our Ideation Workshops
Our ideation workshop series included two 1.5-hour workshops with design students from various disciplines at Kansas State University. The workshops were designed to explore how workspaces impact well-being and productivity, identifying opportunities to create environments that feel more comfortable and engaging.
Looking ahead, our team will leverage the most successful directions to prototype and develop into a functional “hominess” solution.
Workshop 1: Key Insights
Through a warm-up discussion, participants highlighted a variety of factors contributing to workspace discomfort in their lived experience. These included:
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Uncomfortable seating, lack of ergonomic support for long hours, and insufficient personal storage.
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Harsh lighting, temperature fluctuations, excessive noise, and limited natural light.
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A sense of surveillance, lack of spatial autonomy, and difficulty in transitioning between collaborative and individual work modes.
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Limited access to essential tools such as outlets, poorly designed shared spaces, and rigid layouts that restrict movement and personalization.
The impact of these challenges was clear—participants noted that discomfort leads to heightened frustration, distraction, decreased motivation, and even physical strain that can limit productivity.
In response, participants then brainstormed possible factors that might make a space feel “homier” using the “How Might We” framework.
The group envisioned a more inviting and homelike office experience centered on:
Sensory and Atmospheric Enhancements
Warm, adjustable lighting, subtle ambient noise, and biophilic elements like plants and natural textures.
Flexible Spatial Design
Modular furniture, mobile storage, and adaptable layouts that support different work styles.
Community-Driven Spaces
Opportunities for employees to shape their environment, from shared decor elements to interactive features like jukeboxes, bookshelves, and passion project displays.
Interim Thought-Starters
In preparation for Workshop 2 and the generative ideation it would entail, participants considered the following prompts and prepared sketches to share for discussion.
Feeling Inspired? Submit your own thoughts below!
The “Jukebox” Theory
How might we create shared sensory experiences that balance individual control with collective delight?
This concept touched on elements like community contributions, soundscapes, and zoning strategies that allow for both personalization and shared enjoyment.
Pack-In, Pack-Out Mobility
Inspired by camping culture, this theme explores portability, roaming, and adaptable nooks within the workspace.
How can we design modular, fluid spaces that empower movement while still offering a sense of stability and belonging?
The “Jeep Duck” Phenomenon
A playful yet powerful concept of a shared community object—something everyone takes care of, contributes to, or interacts with over time (think: Elf on the Shelf, a traveling gnome, or a collective artifact).
What could this look like in our workspace to foster a sense of connection and playfulness?
Workshop 2: Future Directions
On the Road to Hominess
Using the themes generated in Workshop 1 and the sketches done in response to the thought-starters above, participants iterated on the strongest ideas in Workshop 2. Our team then refined the solutions into 3 future directions for a “Hominess” solution prototype.
“Work Your Angles”
Design for Dynamic Postures & Comfort
This theme builds on the idea that workspaces should support a variety of postures and movement throughout the day. Inspired by the need for ergonomic variety, participants envisioned adaptable seating solutions that allow users to shift between sitting, lounging, and reclining positions effortlessly.
Potential implementations that we may prototype include temperature-controlled seating, modular lounge areas, and hybrid standing-sitting workstations that respond to different comfort needs.
“Find Your Mascot”
Personalization & Playfulness in the Workplace
This concept taps into the power of familiar and playful elements to make workspaces feel more personal and engaging. Inspired by the idea of workplace mascots—such as the "ducky" concept—this direction explores how symbolic or whimsical objects can foster a sense of ownership and emotional connection.
Possible activations include office-wide collectibles, mobile desk accessories, and rotating themed decor that employees can contribute to over time.
“Be a Host”
Cultivating Shared Atmosphere & Social Connection
Drawing from ideas like jukebox-inspired communal interactions, this theme centers on creating shared spaces that encourage employees to feel like active participants in shaping their environment.
Solutions could include interactive music and lighting controls, curated gathering spaces that evolve based on user input, and small rituals like coffee hours or collaborative art walls that make the workspace feel dynamic and inclusive.
Next Steps
Next Steps
Building on these themes, the next phase involves moving from conceptual ideas to tangible prototypes. In collaboration with One Workplace, we aim to explore the feasibility of developing a product line that embodies the principles identified in this workshop. The prototyping process will focus on:
Material & Form Exploration – Experimenting with modular and adaptive furniture components that enable varied postures and personalization.
User Testing & Feedback Loops – Engaging employees in workspace trials to refine features, usability, and impact.
Scalability & Integration – Ensuring that prototypes can be adapted for different workspace settings, from open-plan offices to remote work environments.
Co-Design with One Workplace – Leveraging their expertise in workplace solutions to align prototypes with industry trends and real-world applications.
By grounding these concepts in real-world testing and iterative design, this collaboration has the potential to create meaningful workplace innovations that enhance comfort, well-being, and engagement.