# Workspace Solitude Offices are updated to offer distraction-free spaces. By [Vasiliki Marapas](https://www.trendhunter.com/Vasiliki.Marapas), Research Advisor & Writer | Published Feb 25, 2016 | Category: [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/modern-art-and-design-trends) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/workspace-solitude ## Key Figures - Trend score: 5.4/10 - Evidence articles: 7 ## 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. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 7 featured examples - Articles from: Feb 11, 2015 to Jan 11, 2017 - Published: Feb 25, 2016 - Patterns: [Divergence](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/divergence), [Redirection](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/redirection) - Megatrends: [Simplicity](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/simplicity), [Experience](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/experience), [Catalyzation](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/catalyzation) ## Audience - Gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Themes within the Workspace Solitude trend ### 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. ### 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. ### 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. ## What the Workspace Solitude trend means for industry ### For 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 for Workspace Solitude Trend score 5.4 out of 10, from popularity 70%, activity 84%, freshness 8%. - Popularity: 70% - Activity: 84% - Freshness: 8% ## Examples of the Workspace Solitude trend 7 featured examples from Feb 11, 2015 to Jan 11, 2017. - [Privacy-Focused Office Cocoons](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tomoko): The 'Tomoko' Provide a Sense of Privacy in Open-Concept Offices (Category: Art & Design) Implication: The office furniture industry can explore disruptive innovation by developing privacy-enhancing furniture designs for open-concept offices. - [Mood-Curbing Office Furniture](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sabine-collection-by-glimakra): The Sabine Collection by Glimakra of Sweden Absorbs Sound (Category: Art & Design) Implication: Opportunity in the office furniture industry to integrate sound-absorbing technology into their designs. - [Modular Industrial Workspaces](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/software-company): This Software Company's Office Features a Contemporary Aesthetic (Category: Art & Design) Implication: Developers can explore building and designing flexible office spaces and incorporating industrial design elements to attract business and draw in tenants. - [Noise-Canceling Armchairs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/noise-reducer): 'The Quiet Chair' is a Noise Reducer That Helps Focus & Productivity (Category: Art & Design) Implication: Disruptive innovation opportunity: Develop noise-canceling furniture for residential spaces, offering a more serene and focused living environment. - [Transportable Desk Dividers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/desk-divider): The 'Diplomate' Provides Portable Noise Cancellation in Open Offices (Category: Art & Design) Implication: Opportunities for furniture manufacturers to create furniture pieces that cater to the demands of today's changing office space. - [Noise-Reducing Work Areas](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/work-area): The Focus Sound Barriers Create a Quiet Area in a Busy Workspace (Category: Art & Design) Implication: Disruptive innovation opportunities to develop and market noise-reducing office furniture and design solutions. - [Dividing Office Lights](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/office-lights): The Workspace Divider Lamp Provides Privacy in Open Concept Layouts (Category: Art & Design) Implication: The Workspace Divider Lamp offers an opportunity for innovative lighting solutions in open concept offices. ## Recent trend clusters - [Oven Aesthetics](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/decorative-casserole-dishes) (Art & Design) - [Assisted Choices](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/weight-loss-medication-support) (Lifestyle) - [Storyline Sips](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/themed-drink-menus) (Lifestyle) - [Bedtime Cocoon](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/sleep-sensory-blocking) (Lifestyle) ## Trending in Art & Design - [Park-Model Tiny Homes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/park-model-tiny-homes) - [Handmade Craft Tradeshow Initiatives](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ny-now-handmade-division) - [Recycled Neon Light Sculptures](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/encore-encore) - [Electrically Powered Airline Seats](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/premium-economy-seat) All articles: [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign)