ProgramsMBA Interterm (SPRING 2022)ProjectsThe Business of Design: Leveraging Technology to Elevate the User E...

Project Title: The Business of Design: Leveraging Technology to Elevate the User Experience UX (Jasper, IN)

Kimball International

Details
Project Title The Business of Design: Leveraging Technology to Elevate the User Experience UX (Jasper, IN)
Project Topics Growth Strategy
Skills & Expertise
Project Synopsis: Challenge/Opportunity
Kimball International partnered with IPSOS to conduct research on the workplace industry and identify trends for the status of work, work habits and trends for how work might be done in the future. While the research was conducted during the pandemic, a concerted effort to identify trends regardless of status of the pandemic. This summary indicated a heavy influence of technology on the future of work; our challenge is how to demonstrate technology is not only a tool, but a valuable workstream for future process improvements.

Hypothesis: Technology is not just an improved phone or teleconference device, but a way to connect, inspire, design, care and innovate.

With this body of research, several trends were identified that would affect Kimball International’s approach to partnerships with the design industry, clients, and ultimately future product development.
Kimball International is interested in the further investigation of workplace trends and two space types, to further determine research and product development opportunities and elevate the perception of KII as a design-focused, and research-informed organization:

  1. ROOM ON THE MOVE:
    1. Versatile and movable furniture solutions allow these spaces to easily transition. Promote learning, training, mentoring, and hands-on activities by offering these flexible spaces.
    2.  Now more than ever, mobility is top of mind – maximizing square footage is imperative for companies, and employees like the ability to easily move items so a room can serve multiple purposes. Flexible furniture solutions give spaces the opportunity to morph and transform to support different functions throughout the course of the day – like large group training, smaller focus groups, or individual work. Mobile tables, markerboards, technology, ergonomic seating, and easily accessible storage for personal items support a space where multiple tasks can happen.
  2. MEET UP:
    1. Tech-savvy spaces that support coming together, in-person or virtually. These conference rooms and huddle spaces are highly functional and encourage collaboration and problem solving.
    2.  Most employees feel that collaborative group work should be face-to-face, however in our new world that is not always a possibility. Creating meet-up spaces that can provide an equitable experience for in-person, virtual, or hybrid meetings improves the experience for all. From privacy pods where individuals can focus on a virtual call, to casual lounge settings or tech-savvy board rooms, these areas will be used by all levels of an organization to accommodate their meeting needs.
Project Synopsis: Activities/Actions Required
Questions we would like to see answered during this four day sprint include:

  1. How will technology improve business operations in the workplace environment, specifically in a hybrid application with WFH/on-site workers?
  2. What technology tools or strategies should Kimball International investigate as we continue to be identified as an affordable provider in the furniture industry?
  3. To what degree are flexible and adaptable environments in the workplace required, and how is this influenced by technology?
  4. Our design ethos includes the following principles. Are these appropriate to our audience, and do they help them achieve their strategic goals:
    1. Pliability – spaces, and the furniture within them, will need to serve multiple uses, postures, durations, and comfort levels – without being disruptive or complex
    2. Performance – beyond beautiful aesthetics, products need to perform to enhance safety, cleanliness, wellness, productivity, and user-focused functionality.
    3. Power – solutions need to be integrated and innovative for desired flexible use, both indoors and outdoors
  5. What focus groups would lead us to the information and potential solutions that we seek for future success in the furniture industry?
     Research and product development, and ideation of marketing efforts to elevate the design ethos of KII.
    1. Creation of space design applications will be a final result of this effort, and would require meetings with the design team, marketing teams and creative teams at KII.
    2. Improved client perception, through visibility, knowledge and increased sales are the ultimate measurable result.
    3. White paper or panel discussion with key design industry influencers
    4. Submission to a major industry conference, in conjunction with Notre Dame students, Kimball and client; demonstrating business objectives and potential improvements.
Project Synopsis: Expected Results

Project Timeline

Kimball International - The Business of Design: Leveraging Technology to Elevate the User Experience UX (Jasper, IN)
Due Date
Activities
Deliverables
Status
Action
Mon, 01/03/22
12:00 AM UTC
Submit Milestone Deliverable #2
Required Deliverable
Required Deliverable
Deliverable submission is required.
Mon, 01/03/22
12:00 AM UTC
Temperature Check #2 Due by 5:00 PM ET
Required Evaluation
Evaluation submission is required.
View
Description:
Please use the link below to complete Temperature Check #2 Notre Dame spring 2022 Student Temperature Check #2
Thu, 02/03/22
12:00 AM UTC
Submit Milestone Deliverable #3
Required Deliverable
Required Deliverable
Deliverable submission is required.
Description:
Optional: Only if four milestones and deliverables exist for your project. Otherwise, please upload all final materials to the Milestone #4 Timeline Item Below
Mon, 02/28/22
12:00 AM UTC
Program Kickoff
No Deliverables
No deliverables are required for this action item.
Location:
Thu, 03/03/22
12:00 AM UTC
PROJECT COMPLETE: UPLOAD FINAL DELIVERABLES - Milestone #4
Required Deliverable
Required Deliverable
Deliverable submission is required.
Description:
Please upload your final presentations and/or any final reports you delivered to the company.
Sun, 04/03/22
12:00 AM UTC
Final PEER Evaluation Due
Required Evaluation
Evaluation submission is required.
View
Description:
Please use the link below to complete the Peer Assessment Survey Notre Dame spring 2022 Peer Assessment Survey
Sun, 04/03/22
12:00 AM UTC
Final SELF Evaluation Due
Required Evaluation
Evaluation submission is required.
View
Description:
Please use the link below to complete the Self Assessment Survey Notre Dame spring 2022 Student Self Assessment Survey
Sat, 07/02/22
12:00 AM UTC
UPLOAD STATEMENT OF CONFIDENTIALITY
Required Deliverable
Required Deliverable
Deliverable submission is required.
Description:
During this program, you\'ll be working on a real project posed by a real industry partner. Please download, sign, and then upload the Statement on Intellectual Property Property Rights. If your industry partner requires an additional NDA, that will be loaded as a Project Resource.
Sat, 07/02/22
12:00 AM UTC
UPLOAD UP-TO-DATE RESUME
Required Deliverable
Required Deliverable
Deliverable submission is required.
Tue, 08/02/22
12:00 AM UTC
Travel & Accommodations Finalized
No Deliverables
No deliverables are required for this action item.
Description:
If travel and accommodations are required for your project, all logistics must be finalized no later then this date. Anthony� Travel is your dedicated travel agency for all school-related travel. Their contact information has been provided to you by email.
Temperature Check #1 Due by 5:00 PM ET
Required Evaluation
Evaluation submission is required.
View
Description:
Please use the link below to complete Student Temperature Check #1 Notre Dame spring 2022 Student Temperature Check #1
Deadline for Students to Submit Project Preferences
Required Evaluation
Evaluation submission is required.
View
Description:
link coming soon
OFFICIAL PROJECT KICKOFF
No Deliverables
No deliverables are required for this action item.
Description:
Each company will provide a time and location for your kickoff meeting
Kick-off Self-Assessment Evaluation Due
Required Evaluation
Evaluation submission is required.
View
Description:
Please use the link below to complete the assessment Notre Dame spring 2022 Self Assessment Kick Off Survey
Submit Milestone Deliverable #1
Required Deliverable
Required Deliverable
Deliverable submission is required.
Teams Finalized, Projects Assigned
No Deliverables
No deliverables are required for this action item.
Description:
Students will be connected with their project mentors and can begin reviewing their project details. They will begin to prepare for the experience logistically, especially if their engagement requires travel. Companies are encouraged to request a meet-and-greet with students virtually if schedules permit.

Program Managers

Name Organization
Jim Cunningham University of Notre Dame

Teams

Team Name  Project Name  Team Members 
No Teams Available