Talks & Events

This talk explores the work of Ernest Race, focusing on innovation in recycling and reuse, and materials and design. The presentation will provide historical context to the designs of Ernest Race and his part in post war design, and cover topics including the evolution of furniture design since the 1940s from utility furniture to the Scandinavia aesthetic and how WWII and the scarcity of resources changed manufacturing techniques. It will later question if adversity encourages greater innovation and creativity in our output.

Length: 45 minutes

Presenter: Claire Williams, Group Creative Director, Ocee & Four Design

In this talk we’ll explore the key differences between neurotypical and neurodivergent individuals, challenge the concept of "normal" and question whether this label hinders true inclusion. Drawing from personal experiences of neurodivergence within their family, the speaker, Claire Williams, highlights the importance of embracing these differences. She will present compelling data, illustrating the societal and business benefits of recognising and supporting a neurodivergent population. The talk also highlights organisations that actively champion neurodiversity and introduces PAS 6463, a set of guidelines promoting inclusive design. Simple design considerations are suggested to accommodate individuals who are either hyposensitive or hypersensitive, addressing how to meet both sets of needs. We’ll also look at what a neurodiverse workplace should embody, contrasting it with environments that fail to be inclusive. Ultimately, the talk advocates for celebrating differences, arguing that diversity strengthens both individuals and organisations.

Length: 30 minutes

Presenter: Claire Williams

The talk "Office Design and the Science of Movement," delves into design solutions for modern offices, grounded in current research on physical activity and its health implications. We’ll address the risks associated with a sedentary lifestyle, highlighting how modern technology and office design have drastically reduced opportunities for regular movement throughout the day. The talk challenges the common belief that standing is necessarily better than sitting, revealing how both can be detrimental if done in excess. The speaker introduces the concept of using gravity as a tool for maintaining health and independence as we age, emphasising the importance of Non-Exercise Activity Thermogenesis (NEAT), which refers to the energy we expend outside of formal exercise. The talk examines what happens at a cellular level when we remain inactive, stressing that exercise alone may not counteract the negative effects of prolonged sitting or standing. The overall message underscores the need for movement to be integrated into office design to foster long-term health.

Length: 1 hour

Presenter: Stephen Bowden, Ergonomics Consultant

The talk "Office Acoustics," begins by defining the concept of wellbeing, particularly in the workplace, and explores its relationship to presenteeism, where employees are physically present but not fully productive due to compromised wellbeing. The discussion then focuses on key elements of subjective wellbeing, such as comfort, concentration, and satisfaction, and how these factors are strongly correlated with self-reported productivity. We’ll also examine the latest data comparing home and office working environments, highlighting the evolving needs in hybrid work models. By demonstrating the importance of user-centered design, the session emphasises how understanding individual needs is essential for creating workspaces that support both wellbeing and productivity.

Length: 1 hour

Presenter: Rosalind Lambert-Porter, MSc MIOA MIED MInstSCE, Acoustics Consultant and Lecturer

This talk aims to help the audience understand the critical role distractions play in preventing employees from effectively completing their tasks. The discussion highlights the significant business costs and productivity impacts associated with these disruptions. A key focus is on the connection between employee wellbeing and productivity, illustrating how wellbeing directly influences work performance. The financial toll of absenteeism and presenteeism, where employees either miss work or are present but not fully engaged is also addressed. Additionally, the talk explores various forms of distraction that affect both wellbeing and productivity, emphasising the need for strategies that reduce these interruptions to foster a more efficient and healthier work environment.

Length: 1 hour

Presenter: Stephen Bowden, Ergonomics Consultant

"Musculoskeletal Symptoms in Office Environments," aims to deepen understanding of the pathophysiology behind musculoskeletal symptoms, shedding light on how these issues arise and affect employees. The talk defines neutral versus non-neutral postures, explaining their relationship to the development of musculoskeletal symptoms. The hidden costs of presenteeism, where employees continue working despite pain or discomfort caused by these symptoms, are highlighted alongside the financial impact of absenteeism. We’ll identify key factors influencing common musculoskeletal issues, discussing how these factors affect both physical health and subjective wellbeing. The talk concludes by emphasising the considerations necessary for preventing musculoskeletal symptoms in the workplace, with a focus on improving posture, ergonomics, and overall employee health.

Length: 1 hour

Presenter: Stephen Bowden, Ergonomics Consultant