Knowledge work is largely about the creation of new products, new services and experiences. That is, new ways of supporting others in an endeavour. Particularly the parts of that work which can be done remotely.
Regardless of where the making takes place, making requires a wide array of tools, methods and related supplies.
From standing desks to post-it notes, multi-player software or physical privacy walls. The design of a home has ideas of its own, and there is no single solution to finding the right kit of parts.
In a corporate setting, supply chains enter ‘the mail room’ or some centralised place and are distributed across the building or campus. Working from home can make it hard to anticipate who is working where. From one day to the next. These sources of supply must quickly map to a wider network of homes.
At first it’ll feel convenient to make use of a small set of massive online merchants particularly for physical goods such as a new monitor, ring light, or external camera. However, the costs of goods will inflate when taking this approach. Especially if every random purchase comes at the convenience of same day shipping. However, we end up losing any environmental gains made in the bargain. With so many places to furnish, why not lean on local sources instead?
Design in context: To make work from home work is to think about the workplace as an evolving, shifting solution.