Initial explorations & research

We had a few weeks to explore and research different directions. We started by interviewing 11 end users to understand how they their current work from home experience. We asked questions like: What changes do you make to your environment just before getting on a video conference call? What are the common issues you face while on a call? These are some of our high level findings:

-There is a need for ‘natural ways’ to collaborate/meet : Most participants mentioned that they enjoy working from home but miss out on a natural way to meet and collaborate – eg: Cues, body language, gestures and socialization aspect of being in an office

-Users explore multiple tools for smoother collaborations: Another insight was that the user is indulging in multiple tools like monitors, external peripherals such as headsets, cameras etc in order to have a better and smoother conf call experience.

-Work from Home setup is made keeping the external factors in mind: One big observation during my interviews was that the users are constantly moving around their homes all throughout the day, doing different activities at different times, but all while working. And when they move, they tamper with their setup in each room to make sure the light and sound is good before they get on a call. They would also pick a particular spot in the house keeping in mind the lighting etc is good

-Blurring boundaries and the need for mobility: And the last insight which ties everything together is that the boundaries b/w work and home are blurring as users have to juggle b/e the both of them. And the blurring of boundaries gives birth to a great need for mobility.