The shift towards flexible and remote working has transformed how we work, but many home office setups feel disconnected from the rest of the home. Lacking personality, our WFH setups can make it hard to disconnect at the end of the day. HomeWork offers a solution, softening and disguising complex technology with domestic materials. It reimagines the computer in two states: ‘home,’ where technology is hidden, and ‘work,’ offering a dedicated, productivity-enhancing workspace – quite an upgrade from the laptop on the dining table.
HomeWork features customisable, soft technology that seamlessly blends into domestic environments while reflecting one’s individual style. In ‘home’ mode, a fabric pinboard holds memories, and ceramic trays store personal items. Switching to ‘work’ mode, the screen rotates, and the underside of the trays reveals a keyboard and mouse. The design draws inspiration from minimalist domestic shelving, using bent sheet metal and tubular bars to create the pivoting frame. The upper part of the tube can even hold a stem or plant, adding a personal, natural flair.
These unconventional materials and design choices introduce familiar domestic cues into productive electronics. The keyboard and mouse have ceramic bases that function as shallow trays when stowed, adding warmth and functionality.
The back of the screen is padded with magnetic fabric for customisation, allowing the user to personalise the space and create a more comfortable, balanced work-life environment at home. The unique UX interface allows users to visually transition between work and home modes through a manual sliding action, facilitating a physical shut-off ritual at the end of the day.
Completing the setup is a miniaturised PC that powers the screen, with wireless charging capability built into the base tray to keep the keyboard and mouse charged during non-working hours. This thoughtful integration not only supports a smooth shut-off routine but also ensures peripherals are ready to go when it’s time to work.