Solving the Smart Device Riddle with a World-Renowned Furniture Manufacturer
In a partnership with Universal Mind, global design manufacturer Herman Miller announced Live OS, the first human-centered, enterprise-ready system of connected furnishings, allowing a new level of connection and engagement between workplace and employee.
The Challenge
Herman Miller, a world-renowned furniture manufacturer known for iconic designs and workplace innovation, faced a unique challenge: how to bring the Internet of Things (IoT) to office furniture in a way that genuinely benefits both employees and facility managers.
The company recognized that the modern workplace was evolving rapidly, with organizations seeking data-driven insights to optimize their spaces and improve employee wellbeing. However, most IoT solutions at the time were either consumer-focused or failed to integrate seamlessly with enterprise environments.
The Solution
Universal Mind partnered with Herman Miller to develop Live OS, a groundbreaking system that transforms ordinary office furniture into smart, connected assets. The platform enables:
- Real-time occupancy sensing that helps organizations understand how their spaces are actually used
- Environmental monitoring to ensure optimal conditions for productivity and comfort
- Integration with existing enterprise systems for seamless data flow and analytics
- Privacy-first design that respects employee concerns while still providing valuable insights
The Approach
Our team worked closely with Herman Miller's product and engineering teams to create a solution that embodied their commitment to human-centered design. Key aspects of our approach included:
User Research and Design Thinking
We conducted extensive research with both end users (employees) and facility managers to understand their needs, concerns, and aspirations for a connected workplace.
Scalable Architecture
The system was designed from the ground up to handle enterprise-scale deployments, with thousands of connected devices across multiple locations.
Data Privacy and Security
Given the sensitive nature of workplace data, we implemented robust security measures and gave users control over their personal information.
The Results
Live OS has been successfully deployed in organizations around the world, providing unprecedented insights into workplace utilization and employee behavior. Key outcomes include:
- Improved space utilization — Organizations able to right-size their real estate based on actual usage data
- Enhanced employee experience — Optimized environmental conditions and reduced friction in finding available spaces
- Data-driven decision making — Facility managers can plan future investments with confidence
Looking Forward
The success of Live OS demonstrates the potential for thoughtful, human-centered IoT solutions in the enterprise. By focusing on genuine user needs rather than technology for its own sake, Herman Miller and Universal Mind created a platform that continues to evolve and deliver value.
This partnership exemplifies Universal Mind's approach to innovation: combining deep technical expertise with design thinking to solve complex business challenges in ways that truly matter to the people who use them.