On the Design and Study of an Installation for Office Workers to Amplify Temporal Diversity and Connection to Nature

TL;DR

This paper introduces an immersive AI-based installation designed to enhance office workers' connection to nature and temporal diversity, supported by a user study revealing its contemplative and ecological benefits.

Contribution

It presents a novel creative computing installation that departs from productivity focus, integrating neuroscience insights and generative AI to reshape office experiences.

Findings

Fosters contemplative practices among office workers

Amplifies ecological temporalities in office environments

Reshapes engagement with the environment through ephemeral AI experiences

Abstract

We present the design and user study of an installation for office workers, enabling moments of temporal diversity and connection to nature. The installation is a form of creative computing experience that departs from the traditional focus on office technologies for productivity. Drawing on neuroscience insights and the slowing effect of nature sounds on time perception, we created an immersive, slow interaction, generative AI installation that composes an audiovisual space - serving as a perceptual portal into temporal realms beyond the linear rhythm of the office. Our study investigates the lived experiences of 18 office workers, gathered via explicitation interviews, observational notes, and video recordings, analysed through an inductive thematic analysis. Key findings highlight the ephemeral qualities in creative computing experiences using generative AI, its potential to foster contemplative practices, amplify ecological temporalities, and reshape office workers' engagement with their environment. Our design and user study offer research and practical implications for utilising creative computing to enrich office experiences.