Category
Art & Design
Oven Aesthetics
Trend cluster
Category
Workspace
Solitude
Offices are updated to offer distraction-free spaces.
5.4
Trend score
Trend
What is the Workspace Solitude trend?
Workspace Solitude: The backlash to the open-concept work space has officially begun, as offices are being updated with sound-reducing and privacy-enhancing furniture. These items speak to a "best-of-both worlds" approach to design by offering pockets of quiet and solitude amidst an otherwise collaborative environment. Despite a noisy, interconnected digital world, quiet and solitude remain an important aspect of productivity, as well as hint to a broader preoccupation with self-discovery.
Trend themes
Themes within the Workspace Solitude trend
Three behaviours holding the trend together01
Privacy-focused workspace
Office furniture and accessories that provide a sense of privacy in open-concept offices demonstrate a growing trend of privacy-focused workspaces.
02
Sound-absorbing technology
Products like noise-canceling armchairs and noise-reducing work areas show a trend toward sound-absorbing technology to combat open-concept workspaces' noise and distraction.
03
Modular office components
The Slack office's design that emphasizes modular, mobile components serves a growing trend in design that leverages flexibility to create versatile work environments.
Industry implications
What the Workspace Solitude trend means for industry
Where the trend changes the playbookFor
Office furniture
Manufacturers of office furniture can draw inspiration from the demand for functional items that provide privacy and reduce noise.
For
Acoustic technology
The increasing popularity of sound-absorbing technology like that found in noise-canceling armchairs and noise-reducing work areas creates opportunities for those in the acoustic technology industry.
For
Office design
Designers and architects in the office design space can leverage modular components and flexible workspace designs to create productive, versatile environments for businesses of all industries.
Workshop question
How well does your company strike the balance between collaboration and privacy?
Trend signals
Trend signals for Workspace Solitude
Trend score 5.4 out of 10, from popularity 70%, activity 84%, freshness 8%.
Popularity70%
Activity84%
Freshness8%
Audience
50%Men
50%Women
- Gen Alpha (not a primary audience)
- Gen Z
- Millennial
- Gen X
- Boomer
Market
North America
Europe
Asia-Pacific
Evidence
Examples of the Workspace Solitude trend
7 featured examples from Feb 11, 2015 to Jan 11, 2017CategoryArt & Design
Privacy-Focused Office Cocoons
The 'Tomoko' Provide a Sense of Privacy in Open-Concept Offices
The office furniture industry can explore disruptive innovation by developing privacy-enhancing furniture designs for open-concept offices.
CategoryArt & Design
Mood-Curbing Office Furniture
The Sabine Collection by Glimakra of Sweden Absorbs Sound
Opportunity in the office furniture industry to integrate sound-absorbing technology into their designs.
CategoryArt & Design
Modular Industrial Workspaces
This Software Company's Office Features a Contemporary Aesthetic
Developers can explore building and designing flexible office spaces and incorporating industrial design elements to attract business and draw in tenants.
CategoryArt & Design
Noise-Canceling Armchairs
'The Quiet Chair' is a Noise Reducer That Helps Focus & Productivity
Disruptive innovation opportunity: Develop noise-canceling furniture for residential spaces, offering a more serene and focused living environment.
CategoryArt & Design
Transportable Desk Dividers
The 'Diplomate' Provides Portable Noise Cancellation in Open Offices
Opportunities for furniture manufacturers to create furniture pieces that cater to the demands of today's changing office space.
CategoryArt & Design
Noise-Reducing Work Areas
The Focus Sound Barriers Create a Quiet Area in a Busy Workspace
Disruptive innovation opportunities to develop and market noise-reducing office furniture and design solutions.
CategoryArt & Design
Dividing Office Lights
The Workspace Divider Lamp Provides Privacy in Open Concept Layouts
The Workspace Divider Lamp offers an opportunity for innovative lighting solutions in open concept offices.
