Smart Spaces
Heembouw, an architecture company, had invested in an environmentally friendly building but lacked a feedback loop between the building and its users. Additionally, their activity-based workspace layout was not functioning as intended. An interactive system was developed to promote mindfulness and understanding of resource and energy use, addressing both challenges.
Project Length
My Role
Deliverables
15 weeks
Service Designer and UX Researcher
Video prototype, Floorplan and Handout
Structure
Explore
Desk Research, Interviews, Observation
Define
Stakeholder Map, Persona
Ideate
Individual Concepting, Group Brainstorming, Client Involvement
Prototype & Testing
Desktop Walkthrough, Service Staging
01
Explore
Following the initial client meeting and design brief, research planning and execution began, including desk research and fieldwork. In-depth interviews were conducted with four Heembouw employees, allowing them to share insights on the design problem. Observations of employees during their workday were made using the fly-on-the-wall method and behavioral mapping to gather further data.
02
Define
To visualize the research data for the client, a user persona and stakeholder map were created. After presenting the insights, the focus shifted to the sustainability aspect of the assignment, as research indicated that employees were eager to change their behavior and contribute to a more sustainable office space.
03
Ideate
Each team member presented two initial concepts, which were then discussed and refined during a brainstorming session. Ultimately, three concepts were selected for presentation to the client.
04
Prototype & Testing
A cardboard model of the Heembouw office space was created to test the three concepts, as the client expressed equal interest in all of them. After gathering feedback from testers, one concept was discarded, and elements from the other two were combined. Acting out the concept revealed further design flaws, leading to effective solutions.
