Deloitte Toronto's rapid expansion in 2016 and subsequent years presented both an opportunity and a challenge. As we continued to grow, occupying more than half the building and adding floors annually, the need to enhance the office experience became increasingly apparent. Our goal was to not only improve our workspace but also to showcase how companies can leverage data to engage employees effectively. This led to the creation of our dynamic Internet of Things (IoT) board, a real-time, interactive dashboard integrated with the building’s systems, providing a unique glimpse into the daily operations of the office.
Collaborating with a cross-functional team from facilities, IT, creative, and UX, we embarked on developing a solution that was both innovative and adaptable. The result was a modular, end-to-end system with flexible features, designed to evolve with our changing needs and allowing us to shift the focus of shared information seamlessly. A key insight into our office culture was the recognition of coffee as an essential daily fuel. To capture this, we innovatively used Raspberry Pis and custom 3D-printed enclosures for each coffee machine. These devices were programmed to measure the daily coffee output, distinguishing between coffee and hot water through vibration detection, ensuring accurate and unskewed data.
Our in-house IT department, D411, services thousands of consultants. We improved the efficiency of IT interactions by tracking connections to D411's local router. This data helped pinpoint optimal times for IT visits, reducing wait times and enhancing productivity. Additionally, the integration of an IoT app allowed consultants to log IT tickets through AR triggers, a process further streamlined by animations indicating queue lengths.
Deloitte's commitment to wellness was another focal point. Our IoT board not only displayed the day's gym and wellness class schedules but also enabled consultants to sign up for classes and participate in health challenges directly through AR triggers. The board's animations mirrored the nature of the classes, adding an engaging visual element. Addressing the challenge of workspace flexibility, we utilized our router system to create a heat map of seating availability. By measuring Wi-Fi connections, we provided real-time insights into the most and least crowded areas, enabling our staff to choose their workspace for the day more effectively.
This project at Deloitte Toronto exemplifies how creative use of IoT technology can transform a workspace. My role in this endeavour involved direct collaboration with diverse teams, innovative problem-solving, and a focus on enhancing both efficiency and employee experience. This experience showcases my ability to lead and innovate in dynamic environments, aligning with the responsibilities and challenges.
© Brian Ross Design 2024