Workplace Prototype for a New Era

SWiTCH SPACE

Photo：Switch Space

Seeking a prototype to transform organizational culture

What kind of space could enhance the creativity of human resources while also promoting work styles that optimize output? This question was addressed by the Institute of Future Design, Panasonic's consulting department for product planning and design.
At a time when work and personal lives are now being merged, better work results will lead to greater well-being and happiness. With the idea of enhancing creativity to produce the best work results, we began thinking about ways to transform organizational culture and achieve the work styles necessary to create unprecedented value.
That is how SWiTCH SPACE was born. More than just spatial design, it is a prototype for workplaces in a new era, developed by better understanding the relationship between people and the places they utilize.

Photo: two people talking by the fire
Photo: a person who chooses charge food
Photo: three people talking by the fire
Photo: a person who walks in the middle of a panoramic view of space

What is SWiTCH SPACE?

In recent years, smoking rooms and similar spaces have been disappearing due to the shift away from smoking in modern culture. However, this has also led to the loss of two benefits. One is the habit of taking a break to refresh the mind and to improve one's mood, and the other is taking time to chat with others, which enhances well-being. SWiTCH SPACE is a new kind of break room for today, a new concept space that helps to achieve "brain switching" in addition to the benefits of chatting and refreshing the mind.

Illustration：Switch of brain - Default Mode Network | Sailence Network | Exective Network

What is "brain switching"?

Creative people are able to effectively use three subnetworks of the brain, namely, the default mode network (DMN), salience network (SN), and executive network (EN). These creative people use the DMN to first intuitively obtain a good collection of ideas. They then employ the SN to narrow down these ideas into three broad groups, before using the EN to logically distill the three broad groups into one idea. To increase creativity you need to master the use of these brain networks, but switching from one to the other is not as easy as flipping a switch. Therefore, SWiTCH SPACE was designed as a place to promote this kind of network shifting. It helps you switch your brain to the network mode you need next.

Illustration：A four-step behavioral system that encourages brain switching based on brain science and spatial design.
  • Walk
  • Feel
  • Charge
  • Chat
  • Step01-Go for a walk - Train the brain by aerobic exercise
  • Step02-Experience the forest ― Give your five senses wobble and put your brain in a neutral state.
  • Step03-Time to refuel - Intake of FOOD to enhance brain function and generate conversation
  • Step04-Have a chat - Brain activation by chatting
Illustration: Four Brain Switch Steps　Step01-Go for a walk, Step02-Experience the forest, Step03-Time to refuel,Step04-Have a chat
  • Walk
  • Feel
  • Charge
  • Chat

A four-step behavioral system that encourages "brain switching" based on brain science and spatial design

They say that once you lose your concentration, it takes about 23 minutes to regain concentration. Using only about 10 minutes of this time, the SWiTCH SPACE system allows you to experience the four steps of "walk, feel, charge, and chat," by combining spatial design with actions based on brain science. This triggers "brain switching," thereby promoting enhanced individual creativity and greater capability for the organization.

    • step 01：Walk
    • Improve the discipline and functioning of your brain by making daily aerobic exercise a habit
    • step 02：Feel
    • Wake up the five senses and shift the brain into neutral
    • step 03：Charge
    • Make a SWiTCH FOOD selection according to the brain mode you want to shift into
    • step 04：Chat
    • Have a chat to activate the brain and increase productivity
step01 Waik | Go for a walk　Like a muscle, the brain can be trained through exercise. Walking and other aerobic exercise boosts brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a nerve cell growth substance that promotes brain activation and enhances cognitive function. Sitting too much can reduce your concentration and memory. Several times a day, be sure to take a short walk and then head to SWiTCH SPACE. This is a habit that can improve your brain function. step02 Feel | Experience the forest　SWiTCH SPACE recreates the forest using simulation. The feeling of being surrounded by trees, forest scents, the sounds of nature, textures, and sunlight filtered through the trees.... This is a space containing many elements that can stimulate the five senses. Spend time here relaxing and chatting, as if you were sitting around a campfire on a forested riverbank. By heightening your senses, you can calm the excessive churning of your brain, and shift it into a neutral state. step03 Charge | Time to refuel　SWiTCH FOOD is available in two types: foods that enhance brain function, and foods that stimulate conversation. There are dozens of SWiTCH FOOD items that promote these effects. By selecting and consuming the products that meet the needs of your current physical condition and mood, you are better able to switch your brain mode as desired.I. Foods that enhance brain function 1) Dark chocolate (improves memory and cognitive function; also has antioxidant effect) 2) Blueberries (improves memory and cognitive function; also has antioxidant effect, and low glycemic index) 3) Walnuts (improves memory and cognitive function; also has antioxidant effect) 4) Dried fruits (improves concentration; also has antioxidant effect, and low glycemic index) 5) Soy products (improves memory and has low glycemic index) 6) Coffee (improves concentration and cognitive function; also has antioxidant, relaxation, and alertness effects) 7) Black tea (improves concentration and memory; also has relaxation and alertness effects) II. Foods that are enjoyable and stimulate conversation 8) Classic sweets and snacks 9) Sweets and snacks for sharing 10) Sweets and snacks that stimulate the palate 11) Sweets and snacks with playful elements step04 Chat | Have a chat　'Let's chat to boost productivity.' This is an opportunity for face-to-face socializing in the workplace. The seemingly trivial activity of chatting creates an informal environment where people can exchange opinions and generate creative ideas. Chats can involve sharing information about both your work and private life. They help to build trust, reduce stress, exchange ideas, and share emotions. By promoting these kinds of benefits, chatting can enhance well-being in the workplace, and eventually foster an organizational culture that optimizes performance.SWiTCH SPACE allows you to chat with colleagues as if you were sitting around a campfire in the woods.
×
Step 1: Walk | Go for a walk Like a muscle, the brain can be trained through exercise. Walking and other aerobic exercise boosts brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a nerve cell growth substance that promotes brain activation and enhances cognitive function. Sitting too much can reduce your concentration and memory. Several times a day, be sure to take a short walk and then head to SWiTCH SPACE. This is a habit that can improve your brain function. Step 2: Feel | Experience the forest | SWiTCH SPACE recreates the forest using simulation. The feeling of being surrounded by trees, forest scents, the sounds of nature, textures, and sunlight filtered through the trees.... This is a space containing many elements that can stimulate the five senses. Spend time here relaxing and chatting, as if you were sitting around a campfire on a forested riverbank. By heightening your senses, you can calm the excessive churning of your brain, and shift it into a neutral state. Step 3: Charge | Time to refuel | SWiTCH FOOD is available in two types: foods that enhance brain function, and foods that stimulate conversation. There are dozens of SWiTCH FOOD items that promote these effects. By selecting and consuming the products that meet the needs of your current physical condition and mood, you are better able to switch your brain mode as desired. I. Foods that enhance brain function 1) Dark chocolate (improves memory and cognitive function; also has antioxidant effect) 2) Blueberries (improves memory and cognitive function; also has antioxidant effect, and low glycemic index) 3) Walnuts (improves memory and cognitive function; also has antioxidant effect) 4) Dried fruits (improves concentration; also has antioxidant effect, and low glycemic index) 5) Soy products (improves memory and has low glycemic index) 6) Coffee (improves concentration and cognitive function; also has antioxidant, relaxation, and alertness effects) 7) Black tea (improves concentration and memory; also has relaxation and alertness effects) II. Foods that are enjoyable and stimulate conversation 8) Classic sweets and snacks 9) Sweets and snacks for sharing 10) Sweets and snacks that stimulate the palate 11) Sweets and snacks with playful elements Step 4: Chat | Have a chat | 'Let's chat to boost productivity.' This is an opportunity for face-to-face socializing in the workplace. The seemingly trivial activity of chatting creates an informal environment where people can exchange opinions and generate creative ideas. Chats can involve sharing information about both your work and private life. They help to build trust, reduce stress, exchange ideas, and share emotions. By promoting these kinds of benefits, chatting can enhance well-being in the workplace, and eventually foster an organizational culture that optimizes performance. SWiTCH SPACE allows you to chat with colleagues as if you were sitting around a campfire in the woods.
×
Step 1: Walk | Go for a walk Like a muscle, the brain can be trained through exercise. Walking and other aerobic exercise boosts brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a nerve cell growth substance that promotes brain activation and enhances cognitive function. Sitting too much can reduce your concentration and memory. Several times a day, be sure to take a short walk and then head to SWiTCH SPACE. This is a habit that can improve your brain function. Step 2: Feel | Experience the forest | SWiTCH SPACE recreates the forest using simulation. The feeling of being surrounded by trees, forest scents, the sounds of nature, textures, and sunlight filtered through the trees.... This is a space containing many elements that can stimulate the five senses. Spend time here relaxing and chatting, as if you were sitting around a campfire on a forested riverbank. By heightening your senses, you can calm the excessive churning of your brain, and shift it into a neutral state. Step 3: Charge | Time to refuel | SWiTCH FOOD is available in two types: foods that enhance brain function, and foods that stimulate conversation. There are dozens of SWiTCH FOOD items that promote these effects. By selecting and consuming the products that meet the needs of your current physical condition and mood, you are better able to switch your brain mode as desired. I. Foods that enhance brain function 1) Dark chocolate (improves memory and cognitive function; also has antioxidant effect) 2) Blueberries (improves memory and cognitive function; also has antioxidant effect, and low glycemic index) 3) Walnuts (improves memory and cognitive function; also has antioxidant effect) 4) Dried fruits (improves concentration; also has antioxidant effect, and low glycemic index) 5) Soy products (improves memory and has low glycemic index) 6) Coffee (improves concentration and cognitive function; also has antioxidant, relaxation, and alertness effects) 7) Black tea (improves concentration and memory; also has relaxation and alertness effects) II. Foods that are enjoyable and stimulate conversation 8) Classic sweets and snacks 9) Sweets and snacks for sharing 10) Sweets and snacks that stimulate the palate 11) Sweets and snacks with playful elements Step 4: Chat | Have a chat | 'Let's chat to boost productivity'. This is an opportunity for face-to-face socializing in the workplace. The seemingly trivial activity of chatting creates an informal environment where people can exchange opinions and generate creative ideas. Chats can involve sharing information about both your work and private life. They help to build trust, reduce stress, exchange ideas, and share emotions. By promoting these kinds of benefits, chatting can enhance well-being in the workplace, and eventually foster an organizational culture that optimizes performance. SWiTCH SPACE allows you to chat with colleagues as if you were sitting around a campfire in the woods.
×
Step 1: Walk | Go for a walk Like a muscle, the brain can be trained through exercise. Walking and other aerobic exercise boosts brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a nerve cell growth substance that promotes brain activation and enhances cognitive function. Sitting too much can reduce your concentration and memory. Several times a day, be sure to take a short walk and then head to SWiTCH SPACE. This is a habit that can improve your brain function. Step 2: Feel | Experience the forest | SWiTCH SPACE recreates the forest using simulation. The feeling of being surrounded by trees, forest scents, the sounds of nature, textures, and sunlight filtered through the trees.... This is a space containing many elements that can stimulate the five senses. Spend time here relaxing and chatting, as if you were sitting around a campfire on a forested riverbank. By heightening your senses, you can calm the excessive churning of your brain, and shift it into a neutral state. Step 3: Charge | Time to refuel | SWiTCH FOOD is available in two types: foods that enhance brain function, and foods that stimulate conversation. There are dozens of SWiTCH FOOD items that promote these effects. By selecting and consuming the products that meet the needs of your current physical condition and mood, you are better able to switch your brain mode as desired. I. Foods that enhance brain function 1) Dark chocolate (improves memory and cognitive function; also has antioxidant effect) 2) Blueberries (improves memory and cognitive function; also has antioxidant effect, and low glycemic index) 3) Walnuts (improves memory and cognitive function; also has antioxidant effect) 4) Dried fruits (improves concentration; also has antioxidant effect, and low glycemic index) 5) Soy products (improves memory and has low glycemic index) 6) Coffee (improves concentration and cognitive function; also has antioxidant, relaxation, and alertness effects) 7) Black tea (improves concentration and memory; also has relaxation and alertness effects) II. Foods that are enjoyable and stimulate conversation 8) Classic sweets and snacks 9) Sweets and snacks for sharing 10) Sweets and snacks that stimulate the palate 11) Sweets and snacks with playful elements Step 4: Chat | Have a chat | Let's chat to boost productivity. This is an opportunity for face-to-face socializing in the workplace. The seemingly trivial activity of chatting creates an informal environment where people can exchange opinions and generate creative ideas. Chats can involve sharing information about both your work and private life. They help to build trust, reduce stress, exchange ideas, and share emotions. By promoting these kinds of benefits, chatting can enhance well-being in the workplace, and eventually foster an organizational culture that optimizes performance. SWiTCH SPACE allows you to chat with colleagues as if you were sitting around a campfire in the woods.
×

A new cultural habit

With a high participant utilization rate of 95.3%, SWiTCH culture has already begun to take root. It is helping to kick-start communication between coworkers, including superiors and subordinates.
When SWiTCH SPACE is visited often, chance encounters occur, and communication begins as spontaneous chatting. It can become a place for superiors and subordinates to have casual discussions, or an opportunity for colleagues who once only saw each other in smoking areas to meet again. Conversations held near the simulated campfire inside SWiTCH SPACE can make participants feel especially relaxed. Through this communication, ideas are exchanged and organizational capability is enhanced. Many participants have been using SWiTCH SPACE multiple times a day for several minutes at a time, and a cultural habit of visiting the space whenever their concentration fades has started to take root.

The SWiTCH SPACE model encourages new ideas

The pandemic has caused work styles to change more rapidly than ever before. Home and work lives, private and public profiles, as well as online and offline activities were once kept strictly separate but are now all becoming blended together. In today's world where boundaries are becoming blurred and everything is being caught up in a new digital wave, there is a growing need for spaces where people can take a break and recharge. This is the need being met by SWiTCH SPACE, a forest-like environment that can activate the five senses.
For 99% of its history, humankind has lived close to nature. Looking to the future means also learning from the past, and by following brain science research, we could restore the kind of brain function that human beings once depended on to survive in nature. However, it is not practical to live like our distant ancestors, and the cost of filling indoor spaces with a diversity of plants would be prohibitive. Therefore, we need to find a technology-based model that can be set up in all kinds of places. Rather than just creating spaces to relax, there also needs to be a system to boost human performance. SWiTCH SPACE is this kind of solution, and was devised and implemented even before the pandemic hit.

In order to promote new work styles and workplace cultures based on the SWiTCH concept, we would like to bring the benefits of SWiTCH SPACE to offices, homes, and other community places.

Related Articles