Empathetic design in action: booths for physical and sensory inclusion

HushFree.Access.M and hushFree.Access.L embody empathic architecture by addressing both physical and sensory needs. These inclusive booths offer the privacy, personal space and restfulness essential to supporting an employee’s long-term health and performance, whether differently abled or not. With accessible entrances and a touch-screen system for personalised control of lighting and ventilation, these booths provide barrier-free workspaces, proving invaluable in the current shift toward truly empathic, people-first architecture and design.

In addition to the premium acoustics and natural comfort for which Hushoffice is well known, what other features do these booths offer? They include wide, no-threshold, wheelchair-compatible doorways with basic pull handles that require minimal grip strength. Thanks to adjustable door tension, the upgraded handles are operable with minimal effort, making them suitable for employees of all dexterities and strengths. For added flexibility and accommodation, the doors can be made right- or left-handed according to staff needs, enhancing spatial flow and visual harmony. Moreover, the larger booth, hushFree.Access.L, is easily navigable for wheelchair users, reducing the obstacles faced by those with limited mobility in the workplace.

HushFree.Access.M accommodates up to four people, while hushFree.Access.L can host as many as six, depending on its interior configuration. Both models enhance accessibility by embedding empathy into their design through features such as privacy, comfort, acoustic insulation and convenience. They are available in a range of colour options and can be purchased either furnished or unfurnished.

The booths are also cognitively accessible. Both can be powered by hushAssistant, a robust touch-screen system that allows for quick adjustments to lighting and airflow, ensuring foolproof ergonomics. HushAssistant includes preset light modes, a countdown timer and coffee break reminders. It also integrates with Microsoft 365 Calendar for seamless pod booking via laptop.

'The core idea behind HushAssistant was to gently guide employees toward optimal ergonomics and the most convenient working experience,' says Eliza Donek, Product Manager at Hushoffice. 'Its features are specifically designed to promote mental and sensory balance.' A prime example of this is the system’s preconfigured light modes, which offer distinct illumination options that employees can instantly customise to suit their sensory preferences or the task at hand. The countdown timer and work-break reminder are equally important, supporting a healthy work environment and fostering the work-rest rhythms that define a neuro-inclusive culture.

HushAssistant’s preset light modes are its standout feature. ‘Automatic Mode’ adjusts brightness and colour temperature based on circadian rhythms, making it versatile for various tasks while minimising disruption to the sleep-wake cycle. ‘Relax’ provides dimmed, warmer lighting for restful microbreaks or leisurely work, while ‘Focus’ delivers bright, blue-enriched light that’s ideal for tasks requiring detailed concentration.

'Beyond lighting, HushFree.Access.M and HushFree.Access.L accommodate the diverse needs of a team through thoughtful details. For example, their universally operable door handle, paired with HushAssistant’s touch screen—both positioned at an optimal height for wheelchair users—form a simple yet excellent duo that makes the user experience easier for those who need it most,' adds Eliza Donek.

In a bustling work environment, hushFree.Access.M and hushFree.Access.L serve as sensory oases—quiet, private, enclosed hubs. Individuals with ADHD, Autism or sensory processing challenges particularly benefit from the low-stimuli atmosphere. Upon entering either booth, employees are reassured that safety is a priority: fans and lights automatically activate, making the experience not only pleasantly effortless but also practical, easing the mental load of constant technology interaction. The streamlined, minimalist environment is equally beneficial for neurotypical employees seeking periodic relief from office noise. In an era that prioritises well-being, these booths stand as tools for creating more inclusive, supportive and mindful workplaces, ensuring that everyone can excel, regardless of individual needs or sensitivities.

Discover HushFree.Access.M, HushFree.Access.L and other Hushoffice products at Orgatec in Cologne, 22-25.10.2024, Hall 6, Stand C-048.