Is hidden technology the new luxury?

There is a new trend shaping the way companies are designing spaces: shy tech.

Shy tech is about fewer gadgets and gizmos. By integrating technology into the environment, it stays out of sight.

Car companies have been at the forefront of the movement. Interiors of Teslas, for instance, lack traditional buttons and knobs, with a single touchscreen controlling most functions. Key fobs become unnecessary because the car recognizes the driver’s phone, unlocking and starting the car as the owner approaches. Even the doorhandles remain flush with the body; they extend only when needed.

The concept is now extending to homes, offices, shops, and restaurants.

"The goal now is to create high-tech places, but more importantly, they need to work well for the people using them every day,” says Yuehan Wang, leader of JLL's technology research program.

To answer those questions JLL experts, Yuehan Wang, Flore Pradere, global Work Dynamics research director, and Ruth Hynes, EMEA Work Dynamics research and strategy director – who also led JLL’s recent Experience Matters survey – sat down for a Q&A.

What’s driving the change?

PRADERE: Technology's role in our lives has evolved. The future once envisioned as dominated by virtual worlds and robots now sees a resurgence in appreciation for human-like interactions and sensory experiences. People prefer technology as a tool, not the center of their lives. In the end, having screens everywhere is not the experience they are looking for. They appreciate being supported by tech but this needs to be subtle and not to the detriment of natural materials, light, plants and human interaction.

What are some examples of shy tech?

WANG: I really like smart whiteboards in office meeting rooms. They digitize notes, making them searchable, and translating languages in real-time without requiring new skills.

PRADERE: We’re already seeing facial expression recognition in retail environments. It can assess customer satisfaction without manual feedback – like those buttons we see in airport bathrooms that ask how happy you are with the cleanliness. You don’t need to push a button to say if you are satisfied or not. Just look at their face and you know. This intuitive design can easily translate to the office.

Can you explain more about how these sensors can improve the office experience?

PRADERE: Sensors coupled with machine learning observe and adapt to individual habits, creating tailored environments for each employee. As you enter the office, lights adjust to your preferred setting. Your workplace temperature changes based on your comfort patterns throughout the day. The coffee machine begins preparing your favorite blend when you usually need an afternoon pick-me-up. Meeting rooms get booked automatically, reflecting your team’s frequent collaboration times.

What are some challenges in implementing shy tech?

WANG: Implementing shy tech in buildings comes with several challenges. For existing structures, it's much harder to integrate new technologies compared to new constructions. We're constantly faced with the question of how far ahead to plan and how often to upgrade, especially since the pace of real estate development doesn't naturally align with rapid technological advancements. Even when we try to future-proof buildings, there's always the challenge of implementing emerging technologies. Rather than focusing solely on which specific technologies to implement, organizations need to develop a robust decision-making system that can continuously absorb new information and align technology choices with desired outcomes.

HYNES: Balancing long-term structural planning with rapidly evolving digital integration presents a significant challenge. Success depends on early decision-making and clear objectives, avoiding technology implementation without purpose.

PRADERE: In relation to the sensors, one challenge is that it could be perceived as intrusive. Explaining how the data will and will not be used is very important when implementing technology like this.

What are some strategies for effective shy tech implementation?

HYNES: Designing spaces with people in mind involves considering how everything inside works together. UK rail projects exemplify this approach, combining tech experts with inclusive design specialists to create smart guidance systems for visually impaired passengers.