Here’s How to Finally Get Some Privacy in an Open Plan Office
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For some, open-plan offices are distracting. But what if there's an invention that could cover all that distraction and leave you with just your central vision? Imagine it as your own mobile personal space that works wherever you go.
Panasonic has invented this device called Wear Space. From their Future of Life design studio, Panasonic made a prototype which is a lightweight, wraparound visor that blocks the wearer's peripheral vision.
It's like a cubicle on your face. Source: Panasonic
Quartz reported that the visor also contains a pair of Bluetooth headphones, so the wearer can isolate themselves visually and aurally from their surroundings.
According to their website, Wear Space is supposed to create a “psychological personal space” for the wearer to help them concentrate, particularly in noisy, distracting, open-plan offices. The device isn’t intended to just isolate the wearer but also communicate with others, telling them: Go away, I’m busy.
Open plan office designs were popularised in the later half of the 20th Century, seen by companies as a way of maximise floorspace and minimise property costs.
Wear Space creates a “psychological personal space” for the wearer to help them focus. Source: Panasonic
According to news.com.au, workers were meant to be happier and more collaborative without private offices and walls, but it appears that open plan offices have the opposite effect. Studies have found people are less productive, more frustrated, and avoid social interaction by wearing headphones.
The company that also the deodorizing hanger is looking to raise ￥15 million (RM556,000) to produce the gray eyeshield.
The device isn’t intended to just isolate the wearer but also communicate with others. Source: Panasonic
Wear Space will ship next year to early backers who contributed to their crowdfunding project. After that, the studio will consider whether mass production will be a good idea or not. Would you consider getting one for yourself?