Abstract

Working remotely can often lead to fatigue and stress which in turn reduces productivity. The author will explore the concept that with proper communication, environments that promote serendipitous meeting and effective collaboration, can result in happier workers. The author will also explore how speculative design can improve remote work and provide vision for future work scenarios. This concept will focus on the development of interaction design for use with mixed realities, 3D capture systems and mid-air haptic technology to create a seamless and engaging remote working environment.

This paper will show how work culture and communication can affect mental health and productivity; why people isolate while working remotely; how interaction and proper feedback is important to work flow; and the importance of meeting face to face while collaborating. The author purposes a possible solution and application in capturing user interaction data to provide a seamless virtual work environment. This system would utilize 3D capture, mid-air haptic control, and mixed reality technology to allow remote workers to fulfill work related tasks while also maintaining healthy communication and mental health. The final outcome is a personal haptics console and an augmented reality (AR) headset with an integrated camera system.

Library of Congress Subject Headings

Telecommuting--Technological innovations; Telecommuting--Health aspects; Shared virtual environments--Design; Virtual work teams; Mixed reality--Design; Augmented reality--Design; Haptic devices

Publication Date

5-10-2021

Document Type

Thesis

Student Type

Graduate

Degree Name

Industrial Design (MFA)

Department, Program, or Center

School of Design (CAD)

Advisor

Alex Lobos

Advisor/Committee Member

Lorraine Justice

Campus

RIT – Main Campus

Plan Codes

IDDE-MFA

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