Shy Tech is a new trend that’s shaping the way companies design their spaces.
Tech shy refers to fewer gadgets and gizmos. By integrating technology into the environment, it becomes invisible.
Car companies are at the forefront of this movement. For example, Tesla’s interior lacks traditional buttons and knobs, with most functions controlled by a single touchscreen. The car recognizes the driver’s phone, unlocks and starts the car when the owner approaches, eliminating the need for a key fob. The door handles are also kept flush with the body. Expands only when necessary.
This concept now extends to homes, offices, stores, and restaurants.
“The goal now is to create a high-tech space, but more importantly, it needs to work well for the people who use it every day,” said Yuehan Wang, head of JLL’s technology research program. says Mr.
To answer these questions, JLL experts Yuehan Wang, Global Work Dynamics Research Director, Flore Pradere, and Ruth Hines, EMEA Work Dynamics Research and Strategy Director, who also led JLL’s recent Experience Matters study. He sat down for a Q&A.
What is driving the change?
Pradere: The role of technology in our lives is evolving. Once imagined as a future dominated by virtual worlds and robots, there is now a renewed appreciation for human-like interactions and sensory experiences. People prefer technology as a tool rather than the center of their lives. After all, having screens everywhere isn’t the experience they’re looking for. They appreciate the support provided by technology, but this needs to be subtle and not compromise the interaction between natural materials, light, plants and humans.
What are some examples of shy technology?
Wang: I really like the smart whiteboard in my office conference room. Digitize your notes, make them searchable, and translate languages in real-time without the need for new skills.
Pradere: Facial expression recognition is already being implemented in the retail environment. You can measure customer satisfaction without manual feedback, like the button in an airport restroom that asks how satisfied you are with the cleanliness. You don’t have to press a button to tell if you’re satisfied. You can tell by looking at their faces. This intuitive design can easily be adapted to the office.
Can you elaborate on how these sensors can improve the office experience?
PRADERE: Combines sensors and machine learning to observe and adapt to individual habits to create a tailored environment for each employee. When you enter the office, the lighting will be adjusted to your preferred settings. The temperature in your workplace changes based on a comfortable pattern throughout the day. When you need an afternoon pick-me-up, your coffee machine will start preparing your favorite blend. Meeting rooms are automatically booked to reflect your team’s frequent collaboration time.
What are the challenges in implementing shy technology?
WANG: Bringing shy technology into buildings comes with several challenges. For existing structures, it is much more difficult to integrate new technologies compared to new structures. We’re constantly faced with the question of how far ahead to plan and how often to upgrade, especially since the pace of real estate development doesn’t naturally match rapid technological advances. Even when trying to future-proof a building, there is always the challenge of implementing new technology. Rather than focusing solely on which specific technologies to implement, organizations need to develop robust decision-making systems that can continually absorb new information and align technology choices to desired outcomes. there is.
Hynes: Balancing long-term structural planning with rapidly evolving digital integration is a huge challenge. Success depends on early decision-making and clear goals, which avoids the introduction of technology without purpose.
Pradere: When it comes to sensors, one challenge is that they can be perceived as intrusive. When implementing such technology, it is critical to explain how data will and will not be used.
What are some strategies for effectively implementing shy technology?
Hynes: Designing a space with people in mind requires considering how everything inside works together. British rail projects are a great example of this approach, combining technical and inclusive design experts to create smart guidance systems for visually impaired passengers.
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