I recently began to wonder what the office of the future will look like in terms of helping companies be more productive and their employees feel more comfortable. Here are a number of trends that I see taking place with my thoughts on some of them. Let me know what you think!
PC, laptop and docking station
Smaller laptops or CPUs will create more space in the work area and create a more visually appealing look. Flat panels will add to this look and create more desk space by reducing glare.
The extra space on the desk and under the work surface equals a clearer mind. A clearer mind is sharper, more creative and innovative.
Computer users would find it much easier to concentrate if the backgrounds on the monitor screen were yellow with blue letters. It has something to do with the rods and cones in the eyes. Go ahead, get out your marker and try it out on paper! Are any computer monitor manufacturers reading this?
I see many more people using swipe card readers on their keyboard that will allow them to work from a computer on the other side of the world and still be able to see their desktop. This is being implemented by many Fortune 500 companies because they have seen how beneficial it is for frequent business travelers.
The chosen computer will be a laptop and will work comfortably with a flat screen monitor, ergonomic mouse and keyboard.
For those who use their laptop on the go, I see accessories that will allow the computer user to work more comfortably… ergonomic mouse, ergonomic keyboard, and travel “table.”
People will learn the importance of not using the laptop in the exact way that it is used now. I see an ergonomically designed laptop on the market that adjusts to fit every computer user.
Some of these settings include screen height and eye distance, a built-in ergonomic keyboard that pops out to fit the width of each person’s shoulders, and a screen brightness button that works in many types of lighting to reduce glare.
keyboards and mice
I see that most people use ergonomic keyboards and mice. They will no longer be satisfied with the traditional flat keyboards from manufacturers. They will demand more comfort and adjustable keyboards that fit their body. Ergonomics will be much more understood and accepted (if I have anything to say about that!).
There will be ergonomically designed keyboards with built-in mice front and center for easy and comfortable use. No more reaching for the mouse to the left or right.
Additionally, there will be lightweight, foldable ergonomic keyboards designed for laptops for those who haven’t yet purchased their ergonomic laptop.
The more adjustable the keyboard, the easier it can be adjusted to fit the width of the person’s shoulders and build to keep their body working in a natural posture.
break reminders
I see keyboards that play the music of your choice to gently remind you to rest your hands and body after you’ve typed a certain number of characters or typed for a specified period of time.
Your mouse will also “sing” you to rest! A bell will ring or a screen will appear after the mouse has been clicked a predetermined number of times or traveled a certain distance. It will also detect how long you’ve been using the mouse no matter what you’re doing with it and prompt you to rest.
Who would have seen this a few years ago? This is very important because when the body rests, the mind also rests, giving it more capacity to create, produce and increase profitability.
Stretch and break software will become more readily acceptable in the workplace as a way to remind workers to take a break from work and rest and stretch. You can follow along with the software and complete stretches selected especially for your aches and pains.
There will be free versions or paid versions and it will become a type of standard software in the workplace and at home. It will also contain ergonomic information to help people understand what might be causing their pain.
In Part 2 we’ll talk… Phones, Monitors, Desks and Filing Systems… See you there!… Wendy
