January 16, 2002—IBM and Steelcase Inc. have introduced BlueSpace—an interactive and personalized office with advanced computer, sensor, display and wireless technologies. BlueSpace is designed to provide greater comfort, enhance productivity and collaboration among employees through user control.
Highlights of the fully Internet-enabled smart office include:
- BlueScreen: This touch screen, which sits adjacent to the computer monitor allow users to adjust temperature, airflow or lighting to suit their preference. Users can direct heat to cold feet, adjust humidity levels, increase volume of white noise, or modify lighting based on preference or the focus of their work.
- Monitor Rail: This moving rail consists of a work surface that travels the length of the work space and a dual monitor arm that rotates, allowing the users to be positioned anywhere in the area.
- Everywhere Display: A display projects information onto any surface, be it a wall, desktop, or floor, transforming everyday objects into interactive displays, and untethering employees from their desktop computers. Wireless computer-processed sensing technologies enable touch sensitivity, allowing fingers to act as cursors, even on walls or desktops.
- Threshold: Designed in response to a need for increased privacy control, this moveable work surface, ceiling and wall act as a “technology totem” that provides on-demand visual and territorial privacy to the user. Color-coded lighting at the top of the threshold in blue, red and green alerts colleagues when an employee is away, busy or accepting visitors.
IBM and Steelcase are currently working closely with half a dozen companies—ranging from multi-national corporations to small businesses—to evaluate BlueSpace and gather feedback on its existing design and functionality. Onsite pilot projects with select companies will begin later this year.
