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Portal One
Beyond a pair of ANC headphones, signaling a “Concentration mode” of the wearer to others, introducing a social code for workplaces of mutual understanding and respect.
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By Zhenghao Huang, Weiqi Sun
Being able to concentrate and be free of interruptions at open-plan workspace is essential. Failure to read other's need of concentration and status of in an online meeting may lead to unexpected disturbances and interruptions.
Global Cognition of "Do not Disturb" signal wearing a headphone is not always communicated
The act of wearing headphones has become a universal signal for "Do Not Disturb" and "Concentration," a non-verbal cue used by millions to visually communicate their need for focus and privacy.
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Ineffective interpretation
The signals are often confused and unclear
Problem
Disturbance happens a lot
Others don't always perceive this privacy signal and will try to talk to users often. However, they don't necessarily mean to disturb.