‘When’ Are We Designing For?
Insights into The Now, The Transition, and The Future
There is little doubt about the significant role AV has played in our workforces and places. Across multiple markets, AV has allowed teams to stay connected - and apart. As we continue to assess the pandemic’s lasting impact, USIS AV has found a recurring question among its clients and partners over the past several months: “when are we designing for?”. Do we design AV systems for right now, future, or not redesign at all?
There is no perfect answer because we’re designing AV systems for all three, with solutions evolving from one stage to the next and have created a breakout of ideas and concepts to consider. Starting at The Now, into The Transition, and finally The Future, our cheat sheet is meant to share insights for inspiration on moving forward.
The Now
AV TECHNOLOGY: Already in-place systems
SPACES: Emphasis on behavioral changes rather than structural
EXAMPLES:
- 12-seat conference room with only 6 chairs
- Existing digital signage with health & safety content (social distancing reminders)
- Cloud conferencing for all (Zoom)
- Sanitizing hand-held microphones and control system touch panels (wipes for electronics)
- Basic work-from-home kits: webcam, microphone
The Transition (Now +)
AV TECHNOLOGY: New-to-me solutions & technology swaps
SPACES: Reimagine & retrofit existing spaces
EXAMPLES:
- Capacity sensors with digital signage alerts
- Cloud-conferencing with stricter security (Cisco Webex)
- Outdoor AV via mobile solutions
- Hand-held microphones replaced with ceiling microphones
- Smaller-sized video displays replaced with large format to accommodate distancing
- Standard video conference cameras replaced with tracking cameras to keep engaged with remote participants
- Control system touch panels replaced with control system apps (bring-your-own-device)
- Sound masking to lessen acoustical impact of hard surfaces such as plexiglass partitions
- Better work-from-home kits: lighting, noise suppression, higher-quality cameras
- Virtual roles (Virtual Receptionist, Concierge)
- Video capture & live streaming solutions for virtual events with branding (graphic overlays)
- Remote monitoring solutions for existing network
- HDMI adapter rings to allow anyone to connect to an HDMI display with a personal device
- Cafeteria, gymnasiums, and other large spaces converted to meeting spaces for distancing
The Future (Transition +)
AV TECHNOLOGY: New & emerging technology
SPACES: Design new spaces
EXAMPLES:
- Permanent outdoor AV (larger budget allocation to outdoors, all weather)
- Larger quantity of conference/meeting rooms with lower capacity
- Voice-activated control
- Gesture-based/no touch interaction with displays
- Hybrid spaces (virtual water cooler, social media walls)
- Everything with an IP address for remote management & monitoring of all AV components
- Personal video conferencing pods
- Holographic roles
