The Data Drive Office Environment research line investigates new sensor technologies, methods for data storage, data processing (digital twins, AI, process mining) and future data-driven applications. The goal is to make these tools widely available for both researchers and enterprises.
We want to gain insight into the relation between a person’s behaviour and his or her environment. For instance, the effect of light on someone’s level of fatigue, the effect of a chat at the coffee machine on the amount of coffee consumed and the effectiveness of sitting/standing up nudges on sitting and standing behaviour.
DD01 – Insight into the relation between work environment and vitality via sensor measurements
Various sensors have been installed at the Workplace Vitality Hub that continuously monitor the building. Every light fitting is equipped with a sensor box that measures light intensity, sound levels (decibels), humidity and the presence of people. Part of the sensors are shown on the real-time interface, so people can check the office climate at any time of day.
In addition, round sensors on the ceiling measure the room temperature and the light spectrum. Sensors on the walls measure CO2 and micro-dust concentrations. In some rooms, it is even possible to count the number of people inside. Furthermore, every desk is fitted with a sensor measuring its occupation.
DD02 – Solutions for personalised comfort at your office desk
The Comfort Desk was designed to adjust the office climate to individual preferences. To this end, the desk surface and the red chair are fitted with heating panels, making sure every individual workstation can be heated to a personally preferred level. Furthermore, the desk surface is equipped with active ventilation to provide the preferred coolness.
The key topic in the research is whether the implementation of individual climate control solutions will optimise the general office climate. In other words: can we lower the office temperature while maintaining personal comfort levels? This could, of course, result in major energy savings in the longer term, which not only helps against climate change, but also greatly reduces operational costs.
DD03 – Monitoring vitality using sensors in your office chair
The ‘Vitality Chair’ is an advanced piece of technology, designed to improve employees’ vitality. The chair is fitted with sensors that measure heart and breathing rate unobtrusively, so without direct skin contact. By monitoring these measurements over a longer period, the first indicators of stress will reveal themselves, making it possible to pro-actively respond to potential health problems.
In addition to monitoring vital signs, the chair is equipped with piezo-resistant sensors that measure pressure to determine your posture. Through this technology, users can optimise their sitting posture, preventing long-term physical complaints. The technology used in this Chair can teach us a lot about ways to support people in improving their vitality on the work floor.
DD04 – How can technology measure employees’ behaviour?
Measuring building data is relatively simple, but measuring its effect on behaviour is a different matter. Portable sensors are used to collect important information on stress levels and patterns of motion, among others.
A new concept, developed by the TU/e, uses simple clickers in combination with a tablet. Building users fill out a questionnaire on the tablet, answering questions such as ‘How often have you experienced noise at work today? These answers provide an insight in the frequency and location of certain activities. As it turns out, this provides unique information that would otherwise have remained hidden. By linking this data to the collected building data, valuable insight is gained into how people experience their working environment.
DD05 - Work floor experience database key to improvement implementation
Leesman has an elaborate database that contains work floor experiences from over 1.3 billion people. Main purpose of this database is to provide organisations with an in-depth insight into the work floor experiences of their employees. Benchmarking lets them compare their performance to that of other organisations.
Office work has changed dramatically following the COVID pandemic. Employers are faced with the challenge of understanding what their employees require in terms of support, both at the office and at home. Employee data is a key element and forms the basis on which employers can shape and direct the future of work, in which the needs and experiences of their employees take centre stage.