Tech Talk at NeoCon 2017

Knoll hosted a technology-focused seminar, Gizmos, Gadgets, and Analytics, at NeoCon 2017. Kate Grossman, Knoll vice president, seating and ancillary product manager, moderated a conversation around technology and the workplace experience. Panelists included: Nathan Yang, senior director of experience design at Polycom; Amanda Wilson, Global Program Manager, Workplace Components at Microsoft; Andrew Farah, CEO at Density; Michael Merritt, Global Manager, real estate operations at Motorola Mobility.

Highlights from the panel focused on how technology continues to transform the way we work. The panelists commented on the effect of the global distribution of properties and people, and how, in a fast-moving business climate, organizations are using technology to inform workplace design and help workers communicate, innovate and thrive. These ideas on the importance of technology integration reflect the Knoll perspective with regards to Immersive planning, the company's recently introduced planning platform. Immersive planning identifies technology as a highly valuable asset that can maximize a spaces' utility and efficiency.

With regards to how companies can effectively analyze collected data, Ms. Wilson from Microsoft noted, “data can tell us that people are using a space, but it does not tell us why, so we need to tell them why.” Software from companies like Density and Polycom harvest data and begin to illustrate why certain spaces are being used over others. Ms. Wilson mentioned that, “data is a good thing when complemented with engagement.” She emphasized that companies should go out and engage with their employees in order to validate the gathered data.

The increasing importance of integrating data-harvesting technologies into the workplace cannot be understated. Mr. Merritt asserted that “using technology and analytics has helped us make better decisions and give back amenities to employees.” By measuring the utilization of spaces and therefore the productivity of employees, companies can see where investments are paying off. However, “this is not a quick process, it is an ongoing one,” warned Mr. Merritt.

On the importance of technology, Mr. Yang said, “you need to trust technology, it cannot be creepy.” At Polycom, one of the goals from a design standpoint is to humanize technology as to make it more intuitive and less imposing.

At the Knoll 2017 NeoCon showroom, Density people counting sensors were placed in Pixel workshops and Polycom videoconferencing, digital whiteboard, and screensharing solutions were installed in the Pixel workshops, the Rockwell Unscripted salon, and the Efficient meeting area.