ABSTRACT
Products such as laptops and cell-phones and the connectivity provided by the internet provide the affordances for mobile working. The physical design of the office around the time of the Larkin Building afforded the opportunity for efficient performance of office tasks using the technology available at the time. The large, open spaces also afforded management with the ability to supervise employees as they worked. Unexpected and unplanned, may simply emerge as office design changes. Sit-stand desks set at standing height as the default might provide improved affordances for informal co-working because colleagues passing by will be at the same level as the faces and screens of their standing co-workers thereby facilitating communication. “Shoulder bag workers” go to hubs where they can collaborate and meet others face to face. Social affordances, as yet unspecified will be needed for privacy when privacy is needed and for collaborative working in teams – including teams with members participating remotely.
