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How Steelcase’s design chief is shaping the brand’s India growth
The Economic Times· 2025-11-26 04:55
Core Insights - India's young, tech-savvy workforce is identified as a significant global driver for workplace innovation, characterized by collaboration, competitive spirit, and creativity in problem-solving [1] - The physical office is evolving from a mere container for work to a space that fosters company culture and belonging, with design playing a crucial role in this transformation [2] - Steelcase emphasizes a commitment to circular design and sustainability, viewing "designing less" as a creative constraint that encourages adaptability and longevity in products [6][11] - The integration of AI in workplace design aims to enhance user experience while maintaining privacy, advocating for transparency and user empowerment in smart office environments [7][8] - The Indian market is seen as a fertile ground for innovative workplace concepts, particularly community-led workspaces that promote a sense of belonging, reflecting a more holistic approach to workplace design [10][12] Group 1: Workplace Dynamics - Collaboration and creativity are central to the Indian workforce, with a unique blend of technology and local design influences [1] - The new office design must support diverse communities and facilitate engagement, emphasizing the importance of space as an expression of organizational culture [2] Group 2: Sustainability and Design - A circular mindset in design encourages products that can adapt, be repaired, or recycled, focusing on modular systems and disassembly [6][11] - The challenge of balancing sustainability with commercial needs is addressed by viewing product longevity as a key design principle [3][6] Group 3: Technology and Privacy - Smart office designs should prioritize user privacy while enhancing convenience, advocating for opt-in approaches and data anonymization [7][8] - The role of technology in the workplace is to support collaboration and engagement without being intrusive [7] Group 4: Market Trends - The competitive yet collaborative nature of the Indian market is driving innovative workplace solutions, with younger generations demanding more conscious design choices [10][12] - Community-led workspaces are emerging as a significant trend, with India positioned to influence global workplace design through a mindful approach [10][12]