The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on human life. Changes in the way we work have driven the role of technology during the new normal, preparing society for the era of Industry 4.0. Technology is used by humans to achieve peak performance even while maintaining distance, working from home, or undergoing self-quarantine.

Working from home (WFH), which is a government mandate, has been very helpful in preventing the spread of COVID-19. However, companies still require face-to-face discussions and working together in one place. This becomes a challenge for all designers, as it is necessary to create workspaces that meet well-being standards in terms of comfort, both in terms of work and a pleasant working environment, while still adhering to distancing guidelines to prevent direct contact.

Hygiene Station

Post-COVID-19, an area that needs to be added to the workplace is the hygiene station. Hygiene stations are very useful for screening and sanitizing to reduce the risk of virus transmission, which may be brought in from outside the space.

We will find handwashing stations placed at the entrance to the office to help clean hands before entering the workspace. This idea has been developed with touchless technology, such as automatic handwashing stations, automatic hand sanitizer dispensers, and UV cleaning stations.

Maintaining Distance in the Workspace

Working in the workplace is still implemented. However, more space is needed between each user. For example, using partitions that are arranged to provide distance between users, as well as enhancing a more pleasant work environment.

Anti-Microbial Materials

In addition to space allocation, another important consideration is the choice of materials and decorations for the workplace. We need materials that can be easily cleaned and are resistant to cleaning agents. The surfaces of materials must be flat, smooth, dust-free, and have limited seams to make them easier to clean. If made of fabric, ensure that the fabric has anti-bacterial properties, such as nano fabric.

This is very important considering that secretions contaminated with the Coronavirus may stick to surfaces. The risk of transmission increases if it sticks to objects that are frequently used but difficult to clean. Therefore, it is necessary to choose materials, facilities, and infrastructure that are designed to be resistant to microbes.

Graphic Design

Not only for nameplates, graphic design plays an important role in the workspace. With an appealing appearance, graphic design can be used to reassure and encourage people to always maintain distance. This presents a challenge for graphic and interior designers to place symbols creatively. Additionally, stickers can be transformed into more attractive forms, such as using boards, vertical signs, or more pleasant spatial shapes. This can help limit the number of users within a certain time frame.

Space Ventilation

Typically, workspaces, especially those located in city centers, are made enclosed to prevent noise from vehicles or similar sources from entering. This is expected to help users stay focused and increase productivity.

However, closed spaces without good air circulation or sunlight can be harmful to individuals, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Keeping air conditioning on continuously without natural air circulation can cause the room to become damp, and the virus can remain inside the space. This could trigger the transmission of the virus from one person to another.

In addition to aiding natural air circulation, ventilation will also help sunlight enter the room. Sunlight can act as a natural disinfectant to fight the spread of the virus.

Therefore, good ventilation needs to be placed in the right location to help bring in sunlight and maintain good air circulation, while still preventing noise.