PhySo: Fostering Shared Awareness of Office Noise through Data Physicalization

Open-space offices often create a noisy environment, influencing our concentration and productivity. The availability of sensor systems in office environments unlocks the possibility for office workers to reflect on the noise. However, abstract values through digital interfaces could be challenging for individuals to access, understand, and discuss. To address this, we propose PhySo, translating ambient sound data into a shared data physicalization. PhySo linearly maps the average noise levels of every morning and afternoon into the opening of the corresponding mechanical irises. Our 7-day preliminary in-the-wild deployment suggests that interacting with such a data physicalization is intuitive and can help individuals understand office noise. The shared design for a common space has the potential to catalyze social interactions and co-reflections. Nevertheless, our study also indicates the importance of combining subjective experience sampling, supporting both real-time and temporally delayed feedback, and encouraging on-the-go observations through blending PhySo into existing office designs.