VaryFlex

A trend is occurring in which companies shift from a traditional working culture towards a flexible working environment. The goal of VaryFlex is to smoothen the transition from working places that allow partial flexible working, to fully flexible working places. A culture of support is important for this transition. With the concept, we want to create and reinforce mutual support in employee and management. By using VaryFlex, all layers of employees show they are capable of the flexible working places and are included in the process of transitioning. This is accomplished by providing more autonomy and ownership to the employees, whilst in the meanwhile helping management give that autonomy by making the workforce more transparent.

VaryFlex is a physical product system that utilizes tokens on an individual basis. However, the tokens are not linked to individuals personally. The token has several functionalities; The token is used to set the light intensity. The project the user is working on can be selected on the device, indicated by a color. When the user wants to take a break, an estimated time of absence can be set on the VaryFlex token. As the user leaves, the token remains at the desk. Next to that, the light is dimmed as the user leaves, indicating to other people that seat is unavailable even though the desk appears available. The VaryFlex token shows the time remaining until the user returns. As the user is away but someone could use its help, a notification can be left on the token. Upon return of the user, the social environment helps in deducting what the request is, who it is from, and the urgency. When the user is returning to his working place, he is responsible for choosing what to do with the information he got from the token and his environment.