Purpose -Generic use of the term "knowledge worker" has resulted in a generic approach to designing office environments for this group. The purpose of this paper is to probe the mobility patterns and motivations of knowledge workers in order to provide a classification of different types of knowledge worker. Design/methodology/approach -The study was undertaken using a range of qualitative research methods including semi-structured interviews with 20 knowledge workers representing different levels of mobility and experience, ethnographic studies in a media company, real estate business and a public relations firm, and a user workshop. A novel drawing exercise was introduced to elicit responses during the interview process. Findings -Four knowledge worker "character types" emerged from the research: the Anchor and the Connector, who are mainly office-based, and the Gatherer and the Navigator, who work more widely afield.Research limitations/implications -This is a small study revealing characteristics particular to the participating individuals and organisations. However, it has wider implications in that the more complex set of requirements revealed by the project requires a more responsive and service-led approach to office design for knowledge workers and the development of new protocols of use within office space. Originality/value -The originality/value lies in giving designers and facilities managers an insight into the different needs of knowledge workers, who are commonly treated as a homogeneous group. The typologies are an active tool for better brief-making in design for creative facilities.

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This chapter explores the design of the workplace environment as a major influence on the health and wellbeing of workers. It charts the historical development of the modern office as an industrial model of efficiency and draws on the “environmental comfort” model of Canadian psychologist Jacqueline Vischer to differentiate between three different levels of comfort that people require in the workplace: physical, functional, and psychological comfort. Drawing on a range of sources, the chapter argues that the health and wellbeing of office workers will not be significantly improved until workplace design does more to tackle the demands of psychological comfort.

2 3A design research project was conducted in London to investigate the issues experienced by people with vision impairment around street works and to generate and evaluate improvements to the manner in which street works are signed and guarded. A qualitative, ethnographic approach was taken to achieve a multifaceted understanding of street works equipment and its operation. A small sample of pedestrians with a range of vision impairment was observed interacting with a range of street works. Participants were interviewed, using a series of prompts. Insights were gathered that informed new design requirements and decisions. A set of modifications were prototyped and tested against the existing signing and guarding system. Participants comprised 13 people with vision impairment.Extensive qualitative evidence was gathered, which supported the usefulness of the modified system, as well as a modest quantitative indication of reduced discomfort associated with the modifications.