adam
a device and interface to help structure working and living at home
Peter Biekarck | Muthesius Kunsthochschule | Industrial Design | Bachelor Thesis | SS 2015
adam
a device and interface to help structure working and living at home
Peter Biekarck Industrial Design Bachelor Thesis Muthesius Academy of Fine Arts and Design Summer Semester 2015
Supervisors: Prof. Frank Jacob | Prof. Martin Postler Prof. in. Dr. Rosan Chow
Declaration I hereby declare that I have developed and written this Bachelor Thesis entirely by myself. Used sources and means are declared as such in the text. Foreign thought or direct quotations are also clearly marked. This thesis was not used in the same or a similar version to gain an academic degree or has been published elsewhere. This declaration refers not only to written text but includes drawings, sketches, photographs and other designed elements.
Kiel, June 30th, 2015
00 Content
01
Abstract
02
Note of Thanks
03
Introduction
04
Process & Method
05
Theory and Research
06
Challenges & Criteria
07
Concept & Design
08
Conclusion
09
References
Contents 1 Abstract 5
Note of Thanks
9 Introduction 15
Process & Method
19
Theory and Research ‘Home Office’ – A Definition Perception of Work Communication Technology Motivation, Benefits & Challenges Existing Approaches
51
Challenges & Criteria
57
Concept & Design Personas Concept Technology Interaction On Screen On the Phone
127 Conclusion 133 References
01 Abstract
3
Abstract
Abstract My Bachelor Thesis project, aims to increase both productivity and well-being for individuals working from home. Establishing distinct lines between work and personal life without compromising the flexibilities given in a home office environment are the main goals of this thesis. Determining factors in the achievement of these goals are improving time management by visualisation while minimizing distraction deriving from technical devices used in both personal and professional context as well as enabling individuals to confidently ‘calling it a day’. Background and context for the concept is that an increasing number of people are working from home. While the concept home office comes with many benefits such as choosing your own work hours, spending more time with family, saving money on commuting/ rent, less distraction by co-workers etc, it also holds challenges that are unique to this specific environment. Some of the most difficult of which are finding a start and end point to the work day. Also challenging is the
Abstract
the tendency procrastination in a context where one never physically leaves work and is therefore always able to put in more time during non-business hours. This can prove especially difficult for the compatibility of work and personal life with negative consequences for both spheres. A well-rested and content individual is more inclined and motivated to accomplish set goals which, in return creates a fruitful basis for a confident and restful personal life after hours. In times of more and more blurred boundaries between work and personal life, the impact of work on life is an increasing issue for many individuals, especially in the context of working from home where spacial differences are physically non-existent. This proposed design concept promises individuals a satisfying and effective day ‘at work’ and a rejuvenating and mindful time after hours without an actual change of location or loss in flexibility and autonomy.
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02 Note of Thanks
7
Note of Thanks
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Note of Thanks Thank you for your support, stimmulating conversations, patience and advice during this project ‌ Prof. Frank Jacob Prof. Martin Postler Prof. in. Rosan Chow ‌ and beyond. Melany Hamner Ilse & Robert Biekarck Roman Schaible
Nils Nahrwold
Hannah Schaible
Valeska Budniok
Flo Kaiser
Vincent Steinhardt-Besser
Ally Dally
Neele Koblitz
Hugh Brosnahan
Florian Flocke
David Hakim
Sebastian Kaiser
Benjamin Duddek
Astrid Schessner
Falk von Holst Keno Veentjer Manuel Dingemann
Benjamin Roloff
Nadine Michalske Karsten Wysk Maike Straler Jan Arlt Chritian Engler
03 Introduction
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Introduction
Introduction Working from home. A dream come true. No annoying commute during rush hour, no more dealing with ridiculous co-workers on a daily basis. Finally dressing casual everyday and being my own boss in my own castle. Working from home has become a popular choice for more and more people, whether employed or self-employed. Improved communication technology like lap tops and smartphones have made this possible. In a more and more connected world, a physical presence at a place of work has become less and less essential. Companies see advantages in the shift towards people working from home, not least of which is due to not having to provide workspaces for employees and freelancers. Individuals being more internally motivated acting responsible towards the quality of work they produce is a second major factor driving the increase of people working from home. Over 50% of freelancers work from
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home regularly while nearly all of them get work done from home at least once in a while. Amongst employed workers the number is smaller, yet with 23% not insignificant [2]. Having a physical distance between work and home is therefore not always a given in today’s world. Working from home holds a lot of advantages that people are enjoying [3]. There is less time and money spent commuting, fewer distractions caused by co-workers and most of all the flexibility of setting work hours to individual needs and likings [3]. Autonomy and self-realisation without direct supervision are the most valued aspects of working from home. Working from home is not always as amazing and rewarding as people might think. A day in the home office can hold challenges of a whole other matter; time management, distraction by non work related subjects or tasks, no external daily structure leading the way to only name a few.
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Introduction
The following concept and design aim to provide support for individuals working from home. Structuring the workday while keeping flexibility and autonomy intact will reinforce the separation between personal and professional life. As a result working from home will be lifted to another level becoming the pleasant and rewarding experience it has the potential to be.
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04 Process & Method
17
Process & Method
Research
Concept
Internet
Brainstorm
Interview
Further research
Literature
Ideation
Observation
Target definition Process visualisation Doodling/Sketching
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Design
Visualisation
Mood-boards
Final model
Shape experimenting
Movie shoot/cut
Interaction experimenting
Renderings
Mock-Ups
Presentation
2D/3D Drafts
Documentation
Visualisation Animation
05 Theory and Research
23
‘Home Office’ – A Definition
25
Perception of Work
29
Communication Technology
31
Motivation, Benefits & Challenges
38
Existing Approaches
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Theory & Research
Theory & Research Home Office, what is that even? There is a lot of chatting about what the concept of working from home actually entails. In the following section I will give a historic background of its development and a working definition of ‘home office’ that will build the foundation for my design. I will go into detail about what home office means to individuals and companies today and present an overview of advantages and disadvantages. Already existing approaches to the challenges faced when working in a personal location will be portrayed and analysed.
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23
Theory & Research
‘Home Office’ – A Definition
Home office, what is that? People fake-working in sweatpants in bed? There is more to it than this known stereotype. Officially called teleworking, working from home has many faces like for example working off-site at clients and on the road. In this thesis the focus is on working from home entirely or in alternation with an office space at a company. Working from home entirely is mostly executed by self-employed individuals or freelancers, creating a virtual company at home. Most companies allowing for teleworking still provide for work spaces at the company’s location that are shared by multiple employees. Allowing for teleworking as an employer requires a high amount of trust in the employee, clearly set targets and an enforced communication and coordination. As workers enjoy more flexibility and autonomy an increasing number of people working from home enjoy the trust of their employer. Computers, phones and other electronic communication devices provide the connection to the company and their superiors
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during stretches of physical absence [6]. Home office or working from home in the context of this thesis is thereby defined as an employee or self-employed individual working for at least a majority of their time (if not entirely) out of their private residences with contact to their supervisors, clients and/or colleagues via communication technology.
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Theory & Research
Perception of Work
Working from home or having a home office is a fairly new concept of (self-)employment. Traditional concepts of work like Taylorism or Fordism made use of manpower. The deal was simple; you show up, you get paid. Meaning, the employer was buying the employees potential work abilities for a set period of time at a specific location. In order to ensure the transformation of these abilities into the desired output, employees were strictly monitored and precisely told what to do where and when. That amount of heteronomy only assures the minimum of motivation, abilities, skills and
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knowledge necessary to achieve established goals in the dictated way. Skills like creativity, social networks, internal motivation and identification with the work, to only name a few, were left untouched. Over time however, the increasing demands and proceeding globalisation were causing a change in companies’ requirements. In order to stay competitive, new work concepts were needed to utilise an employee’s full potential. The ‘subjectivation of labour’ is one of these concepts. It represents the foundation of the dissolution of traditional forms of employment
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Theory & Research
and an increasing overlap of work into personal life and vice versa. The subjectivation of labour shifts the responsibility to transform labour potential into actual performance towards the workers themselves, while at the same time allowing them to bring forward their desire of self-development [4]. Subjectivation of labour is therefore an intensification of the dynamics between individual and enterprise [5]. While Taylorism regards the common worker as a notorious slacker that needs control and discipline to complete very narrowly set tasks, the new strategies aim to utilize the entire potential of the worker. Self-structuring, responsibility, an expansion of relative autonomy and self-organisation are required in all areas related to work such as time, location, social networks etc. This increase in flexibility for the employees comes with an increase in performance expectations and a strong focus on outcome monitoring. Meaning, it matters less how a task gets done, as long as the results are meeting the company’s expectations [4]. In consequence, employees started to utilize their private networks, hours and infrastruc-
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tures to get a job done as the competitive advantage was no longer in more hours spent at a task, but simply in better results. Since ’how’ mattered less, ‘when’ and ‘where’ also lost in importance. People started working all the time and everywhere, continuously supported by communication technology like computers and cell phones. The blurring of boundaries between work and private life together with the development of more and better infrastructures to work and communicate remotely from home, fuelled each other. Employers started to prefer this new development as it allowed them to spend less money providing work spaces for their employees. The mutual benefit for employer and employee in combination with the facilitating accessibility of computers and other communication devices at home are the basis for what is today called the ‘home office’. Today, there are more entrepreneurs then ever and homes are often their chosen places of work. Hurdles of starting a company are lower, also deacuse the starting capital needed is often little more than just a computer.
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Theory & Research
Communication Technology
Since Charles Baggage’s invention of the analog ‘difference engine’ in the early 19th century, lots of improvements have been made in the field of computers. In the beginning mainly driven by the military (Z4 in 1942, Eniac in 1944) computers were large, heavy and expensive. In the 70’s computers found a new niche market. They were already widely popular in companies and were associated with progress and innovation. Companies like IBM, Apple and Microsoft were driving forces of the industry in those days as they are today. More and more affordable and user-friendly computers started to enter peoples homes. Due to increasing accessibility of the internet, individuals as
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well as companies and governments relied more and more on the machines. Today, computers, laptops, smartphones, tablets and large data centres make life without computers seems unimaginable. Especially mobile computers and portable cellphones play significant roles in every part of our lives, both personal and professional. With less space and resources needed for higher performance, the impact of mobile communication devices on our daily lives has grown inexorably fast and will continue to do so. A development that has made home office possible.
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Theory & Research
Motivation, Benefits & Challenges
Why even work from home? What are the advantages of this work concept and what challenges should be acknowledged in order to provide an objective overview of the matter? The following paragraph will attempt to answer these question. Subjectivication of labour and the removal of boundaries between work and personal life hold advantages and disadvantages for the individual working under those circumstances. The increasing freedom during the workday enables workers to pay closer attention to personal needs. Working from home allows a person to listen to music, work in a cafe on a sunny afternoon, restructure their day to meet up with friends during ‘work hours’ and generally create a work environment comfortable to them. These perks call for the drastic enhancement of self-management as self-control and allocation of resources have to be handled by the individual itself as opposed to being provided by a company’s internal structure as in traditional work settings. If mastered, freedom and flexibility gained by
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the merger of work and personal life allow for a better arrangement of the different aspects of life in general. An increase in autonomy and self-development are goals of individuals in modern concepts of labour. They are more likely to be reached within a subjectivicated work-sphere. On the other hand, the mix of the two spheres (work and personal) can cause a notorious overload and failure if the competencies in self-management are insufficient. At an office people start work together, take lunch and coffee breaks simultaneously and leave work at the same time. At home alone with no peer leading the way or supervisor monitoring behaviour, there is no given start or end to the day or at what time and for how long to take breaks. So in that respect, the positive aspect in having the freedom of setting your own hours can easily turn out to be the biggest challenge when working alone and in a setting that is not only most comfortable to you but also holds many opportunities to procrastinate. Individuals not trained
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Theory & Research
in managing their own time can be easily distracted by errands, chores, the couch or a dirty apartment as well as making more room for personal affairs in the hours designated for work. Therefore people working on their own tend to take either too many or, depending on a deadlines proximity, no breaks at all during a work day. While taking no breaks at all may seem admirable and dedicated, over time this behaviour is not sustainable. People with little to no down phases in which they can focus on other non work-related issues are bound to be less productive over time [7]. Taking too many breaks on the other hand and thereby putting off actual work leads to unease during personal times. In other words, it is most difficult to stop working when one does not have the feeling of accomplishment or productivity. This can lead to a person working from home never being able to get their mind off of their professional side of life. Due to a lack of supervision and an outside perspective, some individuals can trick themselves into having a busy day by running errands and completing chores rather than accomplishing the tasks they are getting paid to do. Thus, at the end of the day, the apartment is sparkling clean but nobody ‘showed up’
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Theory & Research
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for actual work which leads to stressful hours spent working during times intended for a necessary break to relax and rejuvenate. The resulting effects of the elimination of boundaries between work and personal life are both positive and negative. They yield the freedom of realizing personal expectations in the work environment as well as new factors of influence that individuals have to handle themselves. Working from home is generally experienced as positive due to the additional autonomy and self-responsibility. However, the lack of separation between work and life spheres are consistently experienced as negative [4]. With this thesis I am approaching these issues in form of a time-management tool to provide a structured work day at home. The concept and design aim to bring the benefits known from an office bound work place into the homes of people without sacrificing flexibility and autonomy. Goal of this thesis it to support workers in starting a focused work day and to easily let go of it after to create an effective and rewarding home office experience that does not overlap with the personal sphere of life.
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Theory & Research
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Existing Approaches
There are countless apps, computer programs and services to support individuals working autonomously. Many of which aim to provide guidance in internet and phone use, monitor the person’s behaviour during designated work hours and evaluate with prior set criteria.
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Theory & Research
RescueTime As an online tool, RescueTime monitors the use of internet sites and programs during the day. Individuals can establish work hours and classify both programs and websites as productive. Aside from weekly reports, the program runs entirely in the background; only stating its activity through an icon in the status bar of the computer. This allows for a focussed and undisturbed work flow. Weekly reports contain an overview of the entire work time spent on the computer and to what percentage that time was spent in a productive fashion. It also allows for a more detailed look at the sites and programs most used and enables the user to adjust the settings to receive a more accurate ‘productive score’. The weekly reports are also compared to prior reports and thereby create an incentive to achieve better productivity scores the next week. There is no judgement or recommendation for action in the way the reports are presented. Rescue time is a good way to realize how time on the computer is actually spent. Since we tend to minimize time pleasantly spent on the web in our minds to
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downplay the significance during work hours. It helps put the phrase ‘I was only on facebook for a second’ into perspective and creates a friendly challenge for oneself without judgement. As a limitation it should be mentioned that the use of a specific web-page may be distracting in one situation (kitten video on YouTube) and highly productive in another (tutorials on YouTube) which compromises the inelastic interpretation by rescue time.
Screen Shot: Rescue Time Dashboard
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Theory & Research
iDoneThis Another online-based tool to help increase productivity is called iDoneThis. The approach is to document progress on work. After setting up an account online, the platform emails the user on scheduled days and asks ‘What did you get done today?’. Completed tasks of the day are entered into the body of the reply to be automatically added to a done list accessible online. Reflecting on the progress made during a work day is helpful in more than one way. First of all, revisiting a day’s successes is a great way to stay on track with tasks. Revisiting the day at the end helps sort thoughts for the next day and thereby provides ease and satisfaction after hours, knowing exactly what was accomplished while providing motivation to tackle upcoming tasks.
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Theory & Research
It’s an approach on being more productive counting on motivation by reward being more effective than known punitive approachers such as threats and penalties. iDoneThis is also team compatible. Tasks that are tackled by a group can be treated in the same way by all group members, creating a fruitful and friendly feeling of pulling on one string. iDoneThis requires an extra step in answering to the prompted question. Since this question is asked at a
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somewhat random time, the user has to put their head into what was achieved during the day in a moment that may be inadequate. This may lead to ignoring the process all along and therefore not ‘getting anything done’. Simply crossing tasks off of a hand written list at the end of the day can have the same positive effect. Also not only the accomplishment of tasks is known to be motivation but the knowledge of time simply spent on a task is rewarding [13].
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Theory & Research
OFFTIME app The app, available for Android devices, helps manage availability in certain areas of life more precisely. Primarily this app screens incoming calls and messages during so called ‘Offtimes’. The user enters such periods by launching the app and setting an off-time window. Third parties trying to contact the user are informed about the wilful disconnection of their contact via text message. This message is sent by the app in the background without bothering the user during their ‘Offtime’ and can be personalized in the settings. The user can define contacts that will be treated as an exception and are allowed access even during ‘Offtimes’ On a second level, the app monitors the owners smart phone app usage throughout the day and blocks all apps during ‘Offtimes’ unless previously specified [12]. The app’s potential to provide undisturbed periods of time is desirable in highly
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connected times of constant availability like ours. However, a differentiation between work and personal life would increase the support, as simply not being available to anybody for a time can be achieved by entering airplane mode on the phone or simply turing the device off. More beneficial would be, being accessible by certain people during certain times e.g. work related contacts are allowed access during set work hours while friends and family would be blocked and vice versa. The apps general purpose, taking time off from your cell phone is helpful. Taking breaks from work is scientifically proven to be beneficial. Taking into account the money spent to prevent or treat burn out syndromes, the benefits can even be measured monetarily [14].
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Theory & Research
Coaching Sites The internet is full of coaching and best practice blogs and web-pages. The tips provided there can hardly be described as existing approaches. However, some should be mentioned here since their implementation in a workday would be beneficial for the achievement of goals in a home office environment. 1.
Make lists
Making lists appears to be one of the most effective tools to visualize important tasks. Also it allows people to prioritize the tasks in an overview, accounting for personal peak times. Meaning there are certain times that certain individuals have an easier time focusing. These times should be spent on the most important and difficult tasks. Week or day lists help keep people on track with goals and meeting deadlines. Also the feeling of crossing items off of a list is a rewarding feeling much along the lines of what iDoneThis is trying to accomplish. To-do lists are available in many apps and programs, but are not limited to the digital world. A pen and paper list fulfils the same purpose [8].
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2.
Account for distraction
Different people have different attention spans but nobody can focus forever. Distraction is a vital part of a focussed day and it should be accounted for. If all distraction is denied at all times, the urge to procrastinate will eventually be realized. Therefore allowing for procrastination and distraction means channelling the urge and controlling it. Distractions can be caused by various stimuli, not all of which are generally seen as unproductive. A constantly filling email inbox is for example a great reason not to tackle important but disliked tasks. [7] [10] 3.
Schedule Breaks
Much along the lines of scheduling for distraction, it is helpful to schedule lunch and coffee breaks for the day. It provides structure and a motivation towards a deserved time to recharge. It can even be helpful to account for activities during these breaks such as exercise or meeting with colleagues or friends [7].
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Theory & Research
4.
Find rituals
A key aspect of finding a good start into a day at the home office as well as being able to completely get ones mind off of work after hours are rituals. A certain song, cleaning the desk, watering the plants, even driving the car around the block. The ritual is providing a break between work and life spheres reinforcing the blurred boundaries in between. It is important to honour the ritual. Once the office is ‘closed’ it should not be reopened until the next business day [8].
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Summarizing the existing support tools mentioned, sensitive and rewarding approaches are provided for guidance and structure in a personal work environment. In the light of the modern self-structured and internally motivated (self-)employed worker, this type of approach is promising and likely to be widely adopted. However, most supporting tools require an even more intense utilisation of communication technology already in use all day and provide little structure without. Having to use your phone or computer in order to monitor and adjust your behaviour can itself lead to distraction and an outcome contrary to the results intended. On the following pages I will explain and illustrate my design approach to a rewarding, pleasant and productive work day at home, as well as a relaxing and rejuvenating time after hours. A distinction between work and private spheres needs to be reinforced by the design in order to allow both spheres to have the most positive outcome possible [11]. Detaching the structure and reward system from the devices used in both spheres will provide a new and beneficial way of keeping track of daily accomplishments and the time spent.
06 Challenges & Criteria
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Challenges & Criteria
Challenges & Criteria How to add guiding structure to the most flexible workplace imaginable? Working from home mostly involves a computer and/or phone. These are the same devices used in personal spheres after hours, leading to a lot of time spent in front of them. The overlapping use of devices in combination with not having a physical distance between work and home results in blurred boundaries between the two spheres. The disappearing of this line is described as highly unpleasant and exhausting by most individuals working from home [3]. A physical separation between the design here presented and overused electronic devices will lift the concept above the limitations of electonic screens. Thus, the concept’s first key design criteria is creating an analog time management tool to guide the operator through the workday. To yet assure flexibility in a day’s structure the provided recommendation must be easily adjustable by the user. The concept’s second key criteria can be described as creating a barrier between work and life spheres.
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A physical present design will help accomplish these criteria in multiple ways: 1.
Designing an object with different shapes for work and personal sphere allows for a ritual to switch between the two and discourages a user to jump back and forth between work and private life at random.
2.
Visualizing the course of the day during work hours, above and beyond 2D screens, will create separation from the devices used.
3.
Visualizing the time spent working at the end of a work day will increase the feeling of having accomplished something and therefore make the decision to go back to work less urgent.
4.
Physical interaction with the design allows the user to have control over the day during and after work without having to face potential distractions from overused electronic devices.
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Challenges & Criteria
Design challenges lay in a two-way communication between tool and user. What type of information is passed when and in what direction? The intensity of the interaction felt by the user is key to the success of the concept. A too forceful and demanding tone can quickly create a heteronomically perception and lead to refusal while a too softly spoken advice can and likely will be easily ignored. In addition to a strong focus on the physical tool and the interaction with it, there will be communication on connected devices as well. This communication as well as its tone and appearance provide challenges as well. Finding the same clear, playful and positive tone in this communication again is essential. The level of communication between technical devices and the user will only be a supporting factor as the user will be encouraged to actively alter the tool itself in order to stay in charge of the day. The idea people have of working from home is often romanticised and removed from reality. With this project I hope to raise the quality of work in personal environments and to improve the professional productivity as well as the personal well-being of those working from home.
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07 Concept & Design
61 Personas 69 Concept 81 Technology 83 Interaction 87
On Screen
101
On the Phone
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Concept & Design
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Concept & Design The following pages will depict and explain my approach in improving ‘home office’ experiences based on theory and research and taking into account the challenges and criteria established in prior chapters. Technologies used will be presented and insight into the interaction between design and user will be given. The designs name is Adam. As a limitation to the concept it should be mentioned, that not all people working from home feel challenged by structuring their day in an effective and successful fashion. There are many different kinds of people with different personalities working from home; some more structured than others. Personas described in the following chapter will help imagine potential users. The concept is not a motivational tool but designed to assist those who are internally motivated to accomplish goals in an effective, rewarding and sustainable way.
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Concept & Design
Personas
As mentioned earlier, this concept and design will not be desired by every person working from home. Some individuals are already structured and independent by nature and can handle work autonomeously in a sustainable and productive way. To most of the people working from home however, Adam could be a great benefit. The flexible structure it provides as well as the clear differntiation between work and personal time are key elements a lot of teleworking individuals lack. The following personas will try and summarize these different types of people.
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Concept & Design
Finn – “The IT Coach”
Key criteria •
age: 42
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tech savvy
•
works from home or at the client
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family man
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dificulties in ending a workday
Goals •
find more peace of mind after work
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carve out more quality time for his family
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improve his business and client base
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Finn has been a self employed IT Coach ever since graduating from high-school. He has a wife who is working in retail and a daughter in elementary school. Maintaining and increasing his client base is as much a part of Finn‘s own responsibilities as preparing and executing training courses or developing templates. He is a one-man company working from home when not at clients giving 2-3 day courses. His expertiese in programs made by Adobe and Microsoft is self-taught which requires constant refreshing as these programs are continuously being developed and updated. After a days work, Finn spends time with family and friends. He enjoys TV-shows and movies, all of which he consumes via Laptop. Finn has dificulties accepting the end of the day and often finds himself working late. After the years of being self employed Finn has come up with his own work structure that sometimes works for him, but often puts him in tough and stressful situations. Finn would appreciate help in structuring his work day.
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Concept & Design
Ramon – “The Director”
Key criteria •
age: 35
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movie lover and DJ
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freelances as camera man and director
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single
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cuts and edits footage from home
Goals •
find interesting projects in both creative fields
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improve time management
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better balance off days and busy nights
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Ramon, is a sound engineer by trade and freelances occasionally as DJ. His main source of income is making movies and short films for which he does pre- and post production as well as whatever is necessary on set. He is cutting and editing the produced material from home, where he has the appropriate equipment. Acquiring new projects and clients for both his movie making business and DJing gigs is an essential part of Ramon’s work, however, he is more sturctured and focused on work with a project deadline in sight. In his freetime he loves listining to music, both old and new albums, as well as watching movies of all genres. Ramon is single and very communicative. He has a large circle of friends which he maintains actively. Being a DJ made Ramon accustomed to working off hours. Finding a start and endpoint proves especially difficult for him. Some days are completely full while on other days he finds himself procrastinating untill there is almost no time left for pressing tasks. Support in time management would help a great deal.
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Concept & Design
Jon – “The Marlboro-Man”
Key criteria •
age: 28
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works for the tabaco industry
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90% at home or at client
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in a 2-year relationship
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has great time management skills
Goals •
have solid source of income without having to work too much
•
find new chalenges in his current employment
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Jon has been working for a major player in the tobacco industry for a few years. After having worked out of an office, Jon now enjoys more trust from his superiors. He is executing his office responsibilities in a timely fashion from home and only comes into the office to attend important meetings. Jon loves working from home and being his own boss. His schedule and time structure have not really changed ever since he started working from home. He communicates with clients and superiours via email or over the phone. Jon exercises regularly and enjoys spending time with his girlfriend and her daughter. Family and friends come first in his personal life, which he can keep clearly seperated from his work. “After hours is family time and work hours are for working!” that’s is his motto. Jon has little to no need of any assistance for structureing his day or seperating his life’s spheres as he manages quite well by himself.
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Concept & Design
Concept
The concept developed during this Bachelor Thesis aims to improve two major aspects of working from home. 1.
Time management during a workday
2.
Separation between work and personal spheres
In off-mode, Adam is a cube consisting of 3x3x3 smaller cubes guarding the user’s personal sphere from work related information and disturbances coming from computer or phone, In work-mode, Adams’ individual cubes align themselves in a linear fashion presenting the direction and structure of the upcoming workday separating times of focus (white/yellow) from breaks (blue). When a break is scheduled, Adam will notify the user utilising multiple levels of interaction. Confirmation or dismissal of a scheduled break need to be performed with Adam’s physical ‘self’ in rearranging individual cubes on the established time line.
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Off-Mode
work
personal
sphere
sphere
Work-Mode
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Concept & Design
Adam is connected to digital devices. Devices which present themselves via pixels, small squares. Adam consists of small cubes, three dimensional pixels so to speak, underlining the connection to the devices as well as the physical differentiation. Each cube is capable of changing color and alignment to other cubes via magnets. Adam, knows two states, focused work and time off and makes a clear separation between the two. Thus, the two states are entirely different visually even though they consist of the same components. Adam shapeshifts by rearranging his components. Appearing linear and with direction while in work-mode, Adam provides a day’s time structure. During off times he is compact and irrefutable in his state of mind, emitting ease and confidence in the decision not to work for now.
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Pixel
Component
Adam (Off-Mode)
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Concept & Design
Switching between modes is always a decision made by the user. The first transition into work-mode is performed upon the user’s request. Adam unfolds automatically without the user’s help (see chapter ‘Technology’) This transition is designed to be easy and rewarding because starting work is already a hurdle itself. After the unfolding process, Adam presents himself in linear form providing an overview of the day. Scheduled breaks and times of focus are established based on existing online calendars as well as the user’s preferences. During the day, a decrease in illumination indicates timely progression.
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Concept & Design
focus
Direction of illumination and progress
mini-break 45째
focus on email
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break
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Concept & Design
78
After the day is done, the user decides to stop working. Adam divides his linear self into segments of 3 (as far as possible). The user is then required to reassemble Adam into a 3x3x3 cube. To raise the barrier of going back into work-mode later the same day, this ritual involves the user directly in the process to stop working. The small challenge to complete the cube takes the user’s mind of work before entering the personal part of the day.
79
Concept & Design
time on break time worked
Adam after a days work indicationg how time was spent proportionally
80
In his solid off-time state, Adam visually illustrates the course of the day. The more breaks taken, the more blue pieces or less if breaks were ignored. Displaying how much time was spent focusing at the end of the day will sooth the urge to ‘go back to work’ after work hours. A higher level of difficulty in getting Adam to shape shift a second time in one day will stress the importance of rest and relaxation after a day’s work.
81
Concept & Design
Technology
Cubes that can move around automatically and rearrange themselves without the help of human hands? Thanks to scientists at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) this technology is not a dream for the future. Equipped with magnets on all faces and edges, the cubes can de- and re-attach themselves to any other magnetic surface [15]. By suddenly changing a face magnet’s polarity from attraction to repulsion while establishing attraction between two joining edge magnets, individual cubes can be flipped. In large numbers this technology allows for Adam’s smooth and automatic transition from solid cube (off-mode) to linear time line (work-mode). Color changing LEDs distinguish between individual cubes. The individual cubes are sensitive to touch and will release their magnetic charge upon pickup for easier manual repositioning.
82
magnetic attraction
1.
2.
3.
magnetic repulsion
83
Concept & Design
Interaction
Aside from the previously described automatic unfolding in the morning and the manual reassembly after work, Adam calls for further interactions. The initially established time line based on calender entries and personal preferences can be altered. To reschedule a break, the user must pick up a component and drop it on a different spot on the time line (a). Disabling a break can be achieved by flipping the break component sitting on top over the back of the one below (b). The arrival of a scheduled break is indicated by pulsing of the blue illuminated cubes (c). A decision must be made whether to take, dismiss or reschedule the break by interacting with Adam’s 3D pixels directly. If ignored, Adam goes through a variety of different screen interruptions to draw the user’s attention (see chapter ‘On Screen’).
84
a
b
c
85
Concept & Design
To either take a break or end one, the user must touch the next illuminated component in line (d). To end the day early, the time line can be broken up at any time by literally breaking the remaining illuminated cubes off of the rest (e). At the end of the time line, Adam gently suggests the user to stop working by brightening and dimming the first and last components continuously (f). The user decides to leave work by manually disconnecting Adam’s magnets and rearranging them back into a 3x3x3 cube. If a user is trying to get Adam to shape-shift into work-mode after that point, Adam will not ultimately deny the attempt but will give some hindrance while constantly showing the time already spent proportionally in white and blue (page 79).
86
d
e
d f
87
Concept & Design
On Screen
As mentioned earlier, Adam interacts with the devices he is paired with (Wifi/Phone number). In order to monitor this interaction and Adam’s screening details for certain contacts, programs or accounts, the settings menu can be opened by clicking on Adam’s screen icon. Aside from providing access to the preferences, the icon indicates Adam’s current mode.
work-mode
off-mode
88
Workdays
Office Days Mo
Di
Mi
Do
Fr
Sa
So
89
Concept & Design
Workday A day’s structure as created by Adam is based on both the events in a calendar already maintained by the user and individual preferences. Settings provide information about days of the week intended for work, daily work hours and break lengths as well as desired break intervals. A special option to hide incoming Emails during the day can be selected. This will minimize potential distraction from urgent tasks due to answering emails during the day. Adam sets aside a certain time to only answer emails (yellow cube in time line). Finally the level of intensity Adam uses to suggested breaks is also set in this preference window. Different days can be set up with different parameters and multiple days can be set up identically by highlighting more than one weekday before altering the details.
90
Workdays
Office Days Mo
Di
Mi
Do
Fr
Sa
So
Work Hours 10h
9am
7pm
Break length
0,5h
1h
1,5h
Workdays
0,5h
1h
1,5h
Time for Email Break frequency
Notification intensity -
-/+
+
91
Concept & Design
Screen Interruption There are three levels of intensity. Level one does not require any action by the user. After a brief shake of the windows open on the desktop, work can continue as usual. After several minutes level two is entered and the entire screen darkens with the exception of Adam’s screen icon. To ignore this level as well and ‘snooze‘ once more, the user can brighten the screen manually. Level three can not be ‘snoozed’. Here the screen darkens while the icon rises to mid-screen ultimately drawing attention to Adam’s physical self. The only way to continue working is by rescheduling or elimination the break. To do so, Adam’s components need to be restructured. The same line of notification is also initiated towards the end of breaks in order to assure a timely re-entry into work-mode.
92
Level 2 + Level3a
Level 3b
93
Concept & Design
Web-pages Some web-pages are necessary for business-purposes only, others are highly distracting. Adam enables a user to determine what is what by clicking on the add-button in the tab to designate the URL as either personal or professional. A browser extension simplifies the process even more. Clicking on the extension icon while on a web-page, Adam will add the page to the mode currently in.
94
Webpages
Company-hompage.com
B
my.blog.com Add...
Webpages
Youtube.com wimp.com Add...
95
Concept & Design
Accounts Certain web-pages are difficult to simply cluster as personal or professional. Online platforms like facebook or twitter can be a crucial part of a business or tools for maintaining contact with other job related contacts when working from home. At the same time, these platforms are known to be powerful sources distraction during work. Adam provides a solution differentiating between accounts used. If a user has a personal and a professional account on a platform, Adam can allow for only one of the two to be accessible at appropriate times.
96
Accounts
Company@facebook.com work@home.com Add...
Accounts
Personal@facebook.com personal@home.com Add...
97
Concept & Design
Programs Programs that are strictly used for work can be placed on the work side of the programs tab via drag and drop. These programs are then not available during off times. The same works the other way around where e.g. a distracting computer game can be categorized as strictly personal, thus it is then unavailable when in work mode.
98
Programms
Programms
99
Concept & Design
General In the general settings a user can connect Adam to an existing online calendar. Calenders in use are presented in a drop-down menu. The user is also asked to provide a title as well as a username so that Adam’s out going default voice messages can use the appropriate information.
100
General
Miss Alexandra Dally Provide your dame and title for appropriate default responses to calls and messages.
Connect to Calendar – none –
General
Miss Alexandra Dally Provide your dame and title for appropriate default responses to calls and messages.
Connect to Calendar – none – business@gmail.com personal@web.de
101
Concept & Design
On the Phone
Since the phone is another crucial part of working from home, a pairing with Adam is possible. By downloading the app and connecting Adam with a smart phone, the familiar icon apears on the home screen. Entering the app provides a number of settings that I will explain and display on the following pages.
102
p
Adam
Adam’s App Icon (off-mode)
103
Concept & Design
Accounts and Apps Accounts are accessible in a way similar to web-pages and accounts on a computer. They can be pushed in and out of modes by swiping them out of one screen into the other. Since some apps will find use in both spheres, apps are not accessible by Adam by default. Classifying apps to one or another spheres is simple. Hitting the add-button will enable the user to select apps and then swipe them into the desired mode.
104
p
o2窶電e
3:16 pm
42%
Adam Screening
personal@web.de business@gmail.com me@facebook.com mycompany@facebook.com
Contacts
Apps
Accounts
Settings
Adding an account to the professional sphere
105
Concept & Design
p
p
o2–de
3:16 pm
42%
Adam Screening
Select to be accessable by Adam
Shazam Six Pack
Done Contacts
Empty Apps tab
Apps
Accounts
Settings
No App selected for Adam’s access
106
p
p
Select to be accessable by Adam
o2–de
3:16 pm
42%
Adam Screening
Shazam Six Pack
Empty Apps-tab
Skype Sleep Time SloPro Spotify Todoist Viber WhatsApp
Done
Yapital Contacts
Apps selected for Adam’s access
Apps
Accounts
Settings
Swiping a selcted App into professional mode
107
Concept & Design
Contacts In addition, Adam can also monitor incoming calls or messages depending on the category they have been assigned to by the user. Contacts are categorized as personal by default, thus business-related contacts need to be specified. Contact cards indicate the professional sphere with a dark background and the appropriate icon. An exception are contacts marked as favourites in the phones internal settings. These contacts can be allowed acces in any mode by checking the appropriate option in the general setting. Upon entering a new contact the option to categorize between personal or professional is already available.
108
p
o2窶電e
3:16 pm
42%
Adam Screening Search
X
Xavier Trimas Y
Yo Internet Strand Yoga Supply Shop HH Yoga Yeah Z
Zack Foley Zack Spencer Zack Yaya Contacts
Apps
Accounts
Settings
Adding a contact to the professional sphere
p
o2窶電e
3:16 pm
42%
Adam Screening Search
L
Laura LauraHerz Herz X
Xavier Trimas
Contacts
Adding a contact to the personal sphere
Apps
Accounts
Settings
109
Concept & Design
p
p
Xavier Trimas
Funding.inc
home
0176 123456789
home
x.t@funding.org Notes
AdamApp
AdamApp Send Message Share Contact
Contact cards for professional (black) and personal (white) sphere
110
p
p
add photo
First Last Company
add phone
add email
AdamApp
AdamApp Ringtone
Default
Vibration
Default
Text Tone
Blanc contact cards for professional (black) and personal (white) sphere
111
Concept & Design
Message screening Screened messages can be answered automatically with an individual text created by the user. Adam sends this text back to the sender using the user’s phone number and the same messaging system. Specific messages can be set up for personal and professional sphere. Upon entering a message, typing *CONTACT* functions as a spacer for the person’s name receiving the message and *TIME* as a spacer for the next time the user is available for the respective contact. If no message is entered, the automatic text response option remains unused.
112
p
o2窶電e
3:16 pm
42%
Adam Screening
example: Hi *CONTACT*. I am busy right now. Can I get back to you at *TIME*? If its urgent, you can try calling. Thanks *CONTACT* = recipients name
Done
*TIME* = next window of availability
Response voice Allow reminder at break end
Contacts
Apps
No message created
Accounts
Settings
113
Concept & Design
p
o2–de
3:16 pm
42%
Adam Screening
Hi *CONTACT*. Sorry, but I am pretty busy right now. *TIME* would be better for me to get back to you. If that’s too late, feel free and call. Peace, Ally *CONTACT* = recipients name
Done
*TIME* = next window of availability
Response voice Allow reminder at break end
Contacts
Apps
Accounts
Settings
Example for message to personal contacts
114
p
o2窶電e
3:16 pm
42%
Adam Screening
Dear *CONTACT*, I am durrently away from my desk. I will be available again at *TIME* to get in touch with you. In case of an emergency, please feel free to calling me right away. Regards, Ally *CONTACT* = recipients name
Done
*TIME* = next window of availability
Response voice Allow reminder at break end
Contacts
Apps
Accounts
Settings
Example for message to professional contacts
115
Concept & Design
Voice mail Also calls from contacts categorized opposite to the state Adam and user are currently in, are screened. Adam answers them by playing a default message. The user’s name, title and next time of availability are provided in this default message. Username and title have to be provided in the general settings menu. The user can also chooses to record a customized voice mail. A caller can force Adam to put the call through by staying on the line after the end of the message. The caller himself has thereby to decide whether it is important enough to reach Adam’s protégé immediately or not.
116
”Hi, this is Adam, USERNAME is currently busy with another matter and would like to stay focused. However, HE/SHE will be available to take your call again at TIME. If it is alright with you I will inform USERNAME about your call and have HIM/HER get right back to you. If you are calling with an urgent matter, please stay on the line while I try to get a hold of USERNAME for you right away. Thanks”.
117
Concept & Design
p
p
o2窶電e
3:16 pm
42%
o2窶電e
Adam Screening
3:16 pm
42%
Adam Screening
Response message
Response message
Answering Machine
Answering Machine
Done
Allow reminder at break end
Contacts
Apps
Accounts
Home screen voice recording
Settings
Done
Allow reminder at break end
Contacts
Recording
Apps
Accounts
Settings
118
p
p
o2窶電e
3:16 pm
42%
o2窶電e
Adam Screening
3:16 pm
42%
Adam Screening
Response message
Response message
Answering Machine
Answering Machine
Done
Allow reminder at break end
Contacts
Apps
Listen to recording
Accounts
Settings
Done
Allow reminder at break end
Contacts
Save and Exit
Apps
Accounts
Settings
119
Concept & Design
Universal options While automated response messages and voice recordings can be set up to answer differently to personal and professional contacts, other settings are universal or automatically designated to one particular mode. For example, Adam can remind the user of an exceeded break time. Being universally available for contacts marked as favourites in the phone’s internal system is another selectable option in the settings menu. Also the calendar Adam pairs with knows no separation between modes. Enabled options are indicated by filled in symbols as opposed to only outlines.
120
p
p
o2–de
3:16 pm
42%
o2–de
Adam Screening
3:16 pm
42%
Adam Screening
Response Message
Response Message
Answering Machine
Answering Machine
Allow Reminder at Break End
Allow Reminder at Break End
Available for Favourites
Available for Favourites
Connect to Calendar
Connect to Calendar
– none –
– none – business@gmail.com personal@web.de
Contacts
Settings menu
Apps
Accounts
Settings
Contacts
Apps
Choosing a calendar
Accounts
Settings
121
Concept & Design
Reminders Since one of the perks of working from home is going out to eat or having coffee with friends, it can be difficult to stay on track with the days structure once Adam is not in eyesight. Therefore Adam’s phone settings provide the option to send a reminder stating the current position on the day’s time line. The user can ‘snooze’ the reminder or switch Adam’s mode for incoming calls and messages in order to be available while heading back to the office. This will not result in Adam’s physical self to switch modes. The determination to start working again still has to be made interacting with the haptic interface.
122
p
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3:16 pm
42%
BREAK IS OVER Do you want to be available for business while you head back to the office?
1
Adam
Snooze
5 min
3. Listen to recording
4. Save and Exit
123
Concept & Design
Calendar reference Connected
with
an
online
calendar
already
maintained by the user, Adam’s time structure for the day also shows on the calendars interface. Changes on either Adam or the calendar will immediately refelct on the other medium.
124
125
Concept & Design
Adam’s app-icon changes its appearance the same way the one on the computer screen does; showing the type of mode Adam is in at the time.
126
App icon in work-mode
App icon in off-mode
08 Conclusion
129
Conclusion
Conclusion I would like to close this thesis by presenting results of a conversation I had with members of ‘CoLiving Hamburg’, a concept of working and living together. Nadine Michalske and Manuel Dingemann are founding members of the concept designed to provide a fruitful work-environment for young entrepreneurs working from home [16].
Upon presenting my concept and
design to them, the feedback given to me was positive. The following bullet points summarize their remarks briefly: •
The concept’s complexity is appropriate for the professional intention while the handling is slim and easy to understand and use.
•
Haptic feedback and interaction add great value in separating the users attention from overused screens providing information and ease even when ‘offline’.
130
•
Quality and type of suggestions made by Adam will likely add value to the home office experience as they add exactly the structure often missed when working from home.
•
Tone and vibe of interaction between user and Adam as well as the devices behaviour were regarded as positive in their playful professionalism. Generally speaking, the results of this thesis were
a positive surprise to the audience and described as a desirable support for individuals working from home. The home office experienced duo said, while not being able to replace the benefits of human interactions they believed the design to have the described effect on individuals overwhelmed by the structural challenges of working from home. The group saw the design not only in the setting of working form home, but also within traditional office environments or shared workspaces.
131
Conclusion
132
Outlook and limitations
During the three months of working on this thesis, I tried to solve a peculiar, sensitive and often personal issue which is becoming more and more relevant to an increasing amount of people worldwide. While working on this thesis, I found that the changing work concept has resulted in only a few rudimentary changes in how we actually regard and address work. So far the change in location is the only difference that has been implemented into daily lives. Therefore I see great innovation potential for design to help tackle the challenges faced by a new type of worker; internally motivated, fully committed and working from home. After working on this concept for three months, I can not say having reached a finishing point. However, I am confident in having established the framework for a productive and rewarding home office experience. In a next step I would like to investigate concept and design via user testing to observe the impact and acceptance amongst potential users.
09 References
135
Reference
List of literature
[1]
Tanja M. Brinkmann: Seiltanz zwischen Privat- und Erwerbsleben; Anspruchsdiskrepanzen und Selbstsorgedilemata Kinderloser im Gesundheitsdienstleistungsbereich. Nomos, 2014: S. 24-42
[2] Andreas Grieß: Homeoffice weit verbreitet (http://de.statista.com/infografik/2495/anteil-der-homeoffice-nutzer-in-verschiedenen-beschaeftigungsverhaeltnissen) seen May 15th 2015 [3] Helmut Schulze, Johann Weichbrodt: Refugium für selbstbestimmtes Arbeiten – Home office ist auch für KMU ein Thema (http://www.researchgate.net/profile/Hartmut_Schulze/publication/267694005_Refugium_fr_selbstbestimmtes_Arbeiten_-_Homeoffice_ist_auch_fr_KMU_ ein_Thema/links/552c26580cf29b22c9c44237.pdf) seen May 15th 2015
136
[4] Michael Schaaf: Vertrauensarbeitszeit und Home-Office - Warum überhaupt arbeiten? Zur Motivation von Erwerbspersonen in entgrenzten Arbeitsverhältnissen. Diploma Verlag GmbH, Hamburg, 2014: S 1-5 [5] M. Moldaschl, G. Voß: Subjektivierung von Arbeit. München, Mering, 2003: S. 62 [6] Arbeitsratgeber: Infos und Tips zur Arbeit in Deutschland (http://www.arbeitsratgeber.com/telearbeit-arbeiten-im-home-office) seen June 8th 2015 [7] Charles Duhigg: How Not to Spend Your Whole Day on Facebook (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fQkgiizWNNk&feature=youtu.be) seen June 8th 2015
137
Reference
[8] Focus Money online: Arbeiten von zu Hause aus - F端nf Tipps f端r das Homeoffice (http://www.focus.de/finanzen/karriere/arbeit-arbeiten-von-zu-hause-aus-fuenf-tipps-fuer-das-homeoffice_id_4452383.html) seen June 8th 2015 [10] Minimizing Distractions: Managing Your Work Environment (http://www.mindtools.com/pages/article/distractions.htm) seen June 8th 2015 [11] Tanja M. Brinkmann: Seiltanz zwischen Privat- und Erwerbsleben; Anspruchsdiskrepanzen und Selbstsorgedilemata Kinderloser im Gesundheitsdienstleistungsbereich. Nomos, 2014: S. 105-106 [12] Relax at home (http://offtime.co) seen June 15th 2015
138
[13] NPR: When it comes to productivity, technology can hurt and help (http://www.npr.org/sections/alltechconsidered/2013/05/06/179072692/when-it-comes-to-productivity-technology-can-hurt-and-help) seen June 16th 2015 [14] Kimjana Curtaz, Prof. Dr. Annekatrin Hoppe, Prof. Dr. Jens Nachtwei: Bewusste Auszeiten vom Smartohone tun gut! Studie: Eine Interventionsstudie zeigt die Wirksamkeit der (“Offtime”-) App im Hinblick auf Erholung und Arbeitsengagement. (http://www.datakontext.com/download/HRP1_2015_ Nachtwei.pdf) seen June 16th 2015 [15] MIT Video, Small cubes that self-assemble. (http://video.mit.edu/watch/small-cubes-that-self-assemble-25913) seen June 10th 2015 [16] CoLiving Hamburg: Die Gründer-WG (http://coliving-hamburg.de/) seen July 2nd 2015
139
Reference
List of figures and illustrations
p.13
Craig Garner: unsplash.com https://download.unsplash.com/21/mac-glasses. JPG
p.21
Breather: unsplash.com https://download.unsplash.com/photo1422486578093-18e296095a04
p.24
Just a girl and her blog: justagirlandherblog.com http://justagirlandherblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/Desk-Area-453x680.jpg
p.25
Zeit ist Geld - Wie die Stechuhr an den Arbeitsplatz kam: lwl.org http://www.lwl.org/pressemitteilungen/daten/ bilder/29093.jpg
p.29
blue green technology: bluegreenit.com http://bluegreenit.com/wp-content/themes/ BGT/images/slider/slide1.jpg
140
p.34
Jeff Sheldon: unsplash.com https://download.unsplash.com/photo-1416339306562-f3d12fefd36f
p.35
Tatiana Lapina: unsplash.com https://download.unsplash.com/photo1422949262308-76e6e4906af4
p.37
Nadir Balcikli: unsplash.com https://download.unsplash.com/13/unsplash_523ae1f5502d6_1.JPG
p.40 pctipp.ch http://www.pctipp.ch/typo3temp/ pics/5c6f862d10.jpg p.42 comunitytable.com http://static.communitytable.com/wp-content/ uploads/2013/10/mom-take-off-to-do-list-ftr.jpg
141
Reference
p.45 areamobile.de http://www.areamobile.de/assets/news/2015-01/ app-schau-17-01/app-schau-offtime-2.jpg p.56
Marion Rioch Smith: marionroach.com http://marionroach.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/photo-14224335558072559a27433bd.jpg
p.59
7 Proven Ways To Stay Motivated When Working From Home As A Marketer (Or Anything Else!): marketingland.com http://marketingland.com/wp-content/mlloads/2015/03/working-from-home-telecommute-ss-1920.jpg
p.124
Damian Zaleski: unsplash.com https://download.unsplash.com/uploads/ 141103282695035fa1380/95cdfeef
142