Breaking Dogmas of a Traditional Workplace

Design Challenge: To develop products that optimize functionality and flexibility, work hard, yet do not take themselves too seriously.

Design Solution: We designed Haworth Jump Stuff™ to lighten the way people really work – to lighten the load and lighten the spirit. Functionally, we organized this desk-centric system around a universal rail mount, allowing you to get the clutter off your desk, to where you need it -- at your fingertips. Infusing functionality with a lift of whimsy, we mixed intelligent, multifunctional trays and sorters with little helpers like grip clips, sketchpads and gooseneck-mounted rear view mirrors.

Flexibility is key to the Jump Stuff gestalt, which is why the system allows for a choice of panel-mount, work surface-mount and freestanding configurations. Similarly, the rail and accessories are designed to allow for mounting flexibility from horizontal to a near-vertical angle.

Workflow patterns were studied by extensive user observation, interviews and video ethnography. The studies revealed the importance of intuitive groupings and spatial recognition in place of the forced dogma of the rectangular filing boxes and drawers of the traditional workplace. The light-hearted nature of the product appearance belies the serious research that went into its design.