ProgramsMBA Interterm (SPRING 2022)ProjectsThe Business of Design: Leveraging Technology to Elevate the User E...

Project Title: The Business of Design: Leveraging Technology to Elevate the User Experience UX (Jasper, IN)

Kimball International

Details
Project Title The Business of Design: Leveraging Technology to Elevate the User Experience UX (Jasper, IN)
Project Topics Growth Strategy
Skills & Expertise
Project Synopsis: Challenge/Opportunity
Kimball International partnered with IPSOS to conduct research on the workplace industry and identify trends for the status of work, work habits and trends for how work might be done in the future. While the research was conducted during the pandemic, a concerted effort to identify trends regardless of status of the pandemic. This summary indicated a heavy influence of technology on the future of work; our challenge is how to demonstrate technology is not only a tool, but a valuable workstream for future process improvements.

Hypothesis: Technology is not just an improved phone or teleconference device, but a way to connect, inspire, design, care and innovate.

With this body of research, several trends were identified that would affect Kimball International’s approach to partnerships with the design industry, clients, and ultimately future product development.
Kimball International is interested in the further investigation of workplace trends and two space types, to further determine research and product development opportunities and elevate the perception of KII as a design-focused, and research-informed organization:

  1. ROOM ON THE MOVE:
    1. Versatile and movable furniture solutions allow these spaces to easily transition. Promote learning, training, mentoring, and hands-on activities by offering these flexible spaces.
    2.  Now more than ever, mobility is top of mind – maximizing square footage is imperative for companies, and employees like the ability to easily move items so a room can serve multiple purposes. Flexible furniture solutions give spaces the opportunity to morph and transform to support different functions throughout the course of the day – like large group training, smaller focus groups, or individual work. Mobile tables, markerboards, technology, ergonomic seating, and easily accessible storage for personal items support a space where multiple tasks can happen.
  2. MEET UP:
    1. Tech-savvy spaces that support coming together, in-person or virtually. These conference rooms and huddle spaces are highly functional and encourage collaboration and problem solving.
    2.  Most employees feel that collaborative group work should be face-to-face, however in our new world that is not always a possibility. Creating meet-up spaces that can provide an equitable experience for in-person, virtual, or hybrid meetings improves the experience for all. From privacy pods where individuals can focus on a virtual call, to casual lounge settings or tech-savvy board rooms, these areas will be used by all levels of an organization to accommodate their meeting needs.
Project Synopsis: Activities/Actions Required
Questions we would like to see answered during this four day sprint include:

  1. How will technology improve business operations in the workplace environment, specifically in a hybrid application with WFH/on-site workers?
  2. What technology tools or strategies should Kimball International investigate as we continue to be identified as an affordable provider in the furniture industry?
  3. To what degree are flexible and adaptable environments in the workplace required, and how is this influenced by technology?
  4. Our design ethos includes the following principles. Are these appropriate to our audience, and do they help them achieve their strategic goals:
    1. Pliability – spaces, and the furniture within them, will need to serve multiple uses, postures, durations, and comfort levels – without being disruptive or complex
    2. Performance – beyond beautiful aesthetics, products need to perform to enhance safety, cleanliness, wellness, productivity, and user-focused functionality.
    3. Power – solutions need to be integrated and innovative for desired flexible use, both indoors and outdoors
  5. What focus groups would lead us to the information and potential solutions that we seek for future success in the furniture industry?
     Research and product development, and ideation of marketing efforts to elevate the design ethos of KII.
    1. Creation of space design applications will be a final result of this effort, and would require meetings with the design team, marketing teams and creative teams at KII.
    2. Improved client perception, through visibility, knowledge and increased sales are the ultimate measurable result.
    3. White paper or panel discussion with key design industry influencers
    4. Submission to a major industry conference, in conjunction with Notre Dame students, Kimball and client; demonstrating business objectives and potential improvements.
Project Synopsis: Expected Results

Project Timeline

Touchpoints & Assignments Date Type

Submit Milestone Deliverable #2

 Jan 03 2022 Submission Required

Temperature Check #2 Due by 5:00 PM ET

 Jan 03 2022 Evaluation

Submit Milestone Deliverable #3

 Feb 03 2022 Submission Required

Program Kickoff

 Feb 28 2022 Event

PROJECT COMPLETE: UPLOAD FINAL DELIVERABLES - Milestone #4

 Mar 03 2022 Submission Required

Final PEER Evaluation Due

 Apr 03 2022 Evaluation

Final SELF Evaluation Due

 Apr 03 2022 Evaluation

UPLOAD STATEMENT OF CONFIDENTIALITY

 Jul 02 2022 Submission Required

UPLOAD UP-TO-DATE RESUME

 Jul 02 2022 Submission Required

Travel & Accommodations Finalized

 Aug 02 2022

Temperature Check #1 Due by 5:00 PM ET

 Evaluation

Deadline for Students to Submit Project Preferences

 Evaluation

OFFICIAL PROJECT KICKOFF

Kick-off Self-Assessment Evaluation Due

 Evaluation

Submit Milestone Deliverable #1

 Submission Required

Teams Finalized, Projects Assigned

Program Managers

Name Organization
Jim Cunningham University of Notre Dame

Teams

Team Name  Project Name  Team Members 
No Teams Available