Context

The coronavirus forced radical changes in people's daily behaviours and a large proportion of the workforce was forced to invent new ways of living with this global crisis. The team was tasked with exploring new and sustainable ways of working in the future that favour citizens, businesses and nature.

Research

For this 2-week research module, the team focused their attention on employers and employees of Small and Medium Enterprises in the media production industry in Costa Rica and South-East Asia. Given the constraints of contact during the height of the COVID-19 epidemic, this niche sector was selected as a viable target group for research as it was an existing network of the team.

The design team applied life-centred, qualitative research methods to understand the contextual circumstances of this target sector. Research participants were engaged using in-depth research using four (4) tools: 1. A blocker form, 2. Card sorting (current experience); 3. Drawing (past similar experience); 4. Speculative scenarios (future self).

Research findings revealed that people seek to express pain points in ‘weathering the storm’ and enforced work from home arrangements. Distance may be bridged through frequent and less formal exchanges. A ‘safe space’ is needed for employers-employees to discuss sensitive topics and decisions given the lack of in-person interaction. Setting boundaries helps to provide a clear understanding regarding the parameters of communication in this exceptional setting.

The research exercise revealed some fundamentally human insights that could serve as the basis for assumptions for initiating further research with other similar sectors. Based on findings, the research team determined the controlling design question: How might we: "Enable a safe space for employer and employee in a remote working scenario to express sensitive topics anonymously." Research findings suggested that the solution should ensure acknowledgement through feedback, and provide stability through consistent rituals.

Final Concept

Conversations with the interviewees inspired the design research team to find an innovative way for employees working remotely to express their grievances and concerns. The "ZenPon" aids in communicating sensitive information with workmates anonymously, so they can feel free from judgement and reprimand.

Zenpon invites staff employees to consider their mood, set their intention then gently let their opinions swim away to join the 'school of thoughts'. The device allows users to explore and interact with the thought bubbles of their peers. In the process, users find their calm and resolve knowing that they are being heard and their concerns are shared.