Visible Display of Automated Observation of Collaborative Workspaces

Abstract

Through the Facilities Innovation Research Programme, (www. facilitiesinnovation.co.uk) staff at the University of the West of England, Bristol and at Johnson Controls have been investigating systems that have the potential to track collaborative activities in the workplace, capture them, and in real time respond to them. The longer term goal is to develop embedded technologies that provide intelligent feedback in predictable office environments but also address the unpredictable working environments of nomadic knowledge workers and of remote workers engaged in virtual collaboration with those physically present. Some of these systems are relatively close to market and others are less immediately applicable. It is suggested that a heterogeneous mix of such systems is likely to be necessary for some time to come. A prototype real time location system for workers has been developed and is being tested to determine the extent to which it assists in better management of space and support of collaborative activity.