The future of technology in the workplace lies in the user experience. However, it would be more apt to say that the future of technology in the workplace lies in the lack of it. Technology transparency is something that we’re all seeking out, even if we don’t know we’re doing it.

It doesn’t matter if it’s software or hardware, work or play, we no longer want to be hampered by background systems and operations. We want them to work for us. Technology should neither be seen nor heard; it just needs to enable us to do our jobs as quickly and efficiently as possible.

The most perfect user experience is one where the user arrives, plugs in and gets started… but how can this be achieved?

Is now the time for USB-C?
USB-C is the game changer. In theory, it is a single port to handle everything from power, data, connectivity, audio and video.

The clue is really in the name; universal serial bus. The whole purpose of USB and USB-C as a concept is to make tech connectivity universal and standardised. The problem is that a lot of teams still haven’t fully caught up to the capabilities of this one unassuming cable.

Organisations and workforces are getting there, steadily. But for the most part we still exist in a heterogeneous environment, with teams operating across a number of differing technical setups.

This is totally evident in meeting and presentation spaces. One individual may have USB-C compatibility. Another may have HDMI. A third may have DisplayPort and a fourth Mini DisplayPort.

The fact that all of these options exist is a thorn in the side of seamless tech transparency, and the sooner we can all standardise, the more the user can stop thinking about connectivity.

Easing ownership
Anyone of a certain age will remember a time when to own a piece of software was an actual tangible act of physical ownership.

Nostalgia may trick you into believing that it was a simpler time, but it was far from it. If a team’s systems needed updating, well that was time for IT to visit each individual machine with a disc to perform manual updates.

Thankfully, and for the most part, these times are well and truly gone, but there’s still growth to be found.

With the implementation of hybrid workforces, it’s now absolutely crucial for teams to have systems access from anywhere and everywhere. Also, with purse strings tightened and purchasing under scrutiny, buyers and IT decision-makers are either hesitant to or no longer have the initial upfront expenditure to invest in systems outright.

This will undoubtedly give rise to a massive swell in cloud architecture, with a particular focus on licensing and subscription-based solutions, rather than traditional front-loaded payments.

This type of licence management is where we’re heading because it works well for everyone.

Frontline users need not worry about updates as it’s all out of sight and out of mind.

Decision-makers and IT procurers mitigate the need for heavy financial outlay while also removing the risk of being stuck with a service that, after a few months of use, turns out not to be the most efficient and effective for them.

Finance departments can also benefit from this kind of cloud architecture as, under the right licence management systems, invoicing can be unified and simplified.

I0T-based decision making
Particularly relevant now that meeting spaces are under scrutiny, I0T will have a part to play in the months to come. The most important function will be that of an enforcer of environmental measures. In a space where a controlled environment is the ultimate goal, IoT grants users the ability to automate a majority of the decision-making process, giving users instructions which are pre-programmed and organising behaviours more simply.

Let’s face it. No-one really wants to be the bad guy telling people they need to leave the meeting space. But when you’re given clear and present instruction to this effect, from a third party source… it makes everything a little clearer and a little easier to manage.

These three solutions may not stand out on their own, but will be part of the revolution which is upon us, making technology in the meeting or learning space truly transparent for the first time.

Chris Parker is a senior product manager at Sharp. To learn more about Sharp’s Windows Collaboration Display, get in touch with the Maverick team at info@tdmaverick.eu