Through my portfolio, I invite you to explore my journey as a designer and the projects that reflect my commitment to human-centered design.
Have a question or want to share your thoughts about my work? Feel free to send an email.
Through my portfolio, I invite you to explore my journey as a designer and the projects that reflect my commitment to human-centered design.
Have a question or want to share your thoughts about my work? Feel free to send an email.
THE FUTURE OF WORK ENVIRONMENTS
2022
BRIEF
Apply critical thinking approach in design methods.
The goal was to develop a speculative narrative and object based on the critical thinking approach. We looked into the emerging themes in user experience design and value sensitive design. Delved into trends, forecasting and were to develop hypothetical near-futures artefacts and stories on the topic of user experience.
To speculate on work environments you have to know what was before, what is now, what could be in the future.
INTRODUCTION
Our project unfolds in distinct phases: Week 1 and 2 focus on team building and theory, analyzing trends and values. Weeks 3 and 4 involve ethnographic research, narrative development, and the creation of a speculative object. In Week 5, the final phase, we shift gears to Communicate & Exhibit. This pivotal moment sees us deliver a thought-provoking paper, articulating our discoveries and innovations. Simultaneously, we proudly present and exhibit our work in the heart of Ülemiste City, sharing our vision with the world. It's a culmination of weeks of dedication, research, and creative exploration
Our investigation begins with an exploration of the project's direct and indirect stakeholders. Among these key players are the residents residing in the area, the owners of companies nestled within Ülemiste City, the employees who contribute their talents to its varied businesses, and the custodians of its iconic buildings. Indirectly, we also consider those who commute through Ülemiste City and the individuals who provide essential services to the thriving community. To set the stage for our case study, we delve into the desires of these diverse stakeholders. Office workers yearn for a comfortable working environment, one that fosters focus and offers additional services for a seamless work-life experience. Companies look to recoup their initial investments by enticing residents and customers with future services. Meanwhile, residents seek convenience, cost-efficiency, and access to vital amenities, all while minimizing time and money spent on transportation.
THEORY AND RESEARCH
To solidify our visions of possible futures, we recognized the importance of grounding our insights in the current and historical context. To achieve this perspective, we conducted a STEEP analysis—a framework encompassing the exploration of Social, Technological, Environmental, Economic, and Political factors. This method allowed us to dissect the intricate web of influences shaping Ülemiste City and broader workplace culture, shedding light on the historical precedents and contemporary dynamics that underpin our research. Our research methods were both comprehensive and adaptive, ensuring that we gain deep insights while remaining open to unexpected discoveries. To understand the intricate fabric of Ülemiste City, we employed ethnographic research, which encompasses autoethnography and informal ethnographic interviews conducted in natural settings. This approach allows us to gather specific data while embracing the potential for unexpected revelations, all while guarding against the influence of assumptions by continuously asking "why."
Our analysis was guided by a commitment to uncovering patterns and narratives. We utilized affinity diagramming to structure our findings, examining quotes and media to tease out the nuances of our research. This approach ensured that we extract the most valuable insights from our exploration of Ülemiste City, enriching our understanding of the complex dynamics at play in this modern urban landscape. By examining the past, present, and potential future trends, this approach seeks to speculate on the evolving work environments and how they might shape the world of employment. From that we arrived to our guiding “what if” question.
What if employees’ human values are disrupted for the sake of maximizing companies productivity?
THE POSSIBLE FUTURE
The speculative design object showcased here is a workplace system integrating tracker implants, that offers a compelling vision of the future of work. This futuristic concept raises a multitude of critical questions from both ethical and theoretical perspectives.From a critical theory standpoint, this design object highlights the potential for power imbalances within the workplace. The presence of tracker implants allows management to exercise an unprecedented level of surveillance and control over employees. The data collected can be seen as a form of "technological discipline," where employees are subjected to constant monitoring and evaluation. This aligns with the concepts of panopticism and the "disciplinary society" described by Michel Foucault, where individuals modify their behavior due to the awareness of being watched.Workplace managers might invite people to use them with the promise that they will be billed even while thinking about work when brushing theirs teeth or falling asleep. People who can’t get work out of their thoughts could be compensated for that.
The constant tracking of biometric data and the use of this data to adapt the work environment and compensate employees accordingly bring issues of privacy and consent to the forefront. Employees may feel coerced into accepting the implants due to the pressure to conform to the system, infringing on their autonomy and bodily integrity.
The idea of employees being viewed as "trackable tools" rather than as whole human beings raises ethical concerns about dehumanization in the workplace. It challenges the principles of dignity and respect that should be at the core of any ethical workplace.
As we navigate the evolving landscape of technology and employment, it is imperative to strike a balance between efficiency and the preservation of human dignity and rights.