Ability To Imagine…

… not having it, the ability to imagine, how awful would that be,… I can’t think of anything worse than not being able to think about the future.  And I’m not only speaking from my role in research (which is changing by the way, and I’ll share more about that later in this blog post),… but as a husband, father, citizen, or simply a one-of-a-kind individual.  The future may be as near-term as this afternoon or the next day, or as far away as next year or 10-20 years from now.  It’s just fun to ponder and plan for what’s possible, what’s coming, what’s next.  I’m not unique in this regard.  According to Daniel Gilbert, in his new book Stumbling on Happiness, it is our prefrontal cortex that allows all adults to project themselves into the future.  This allows us to dream of a better, happier, tomorrow.  In fact, it’s what this part of the cerebral machinery was designed to do,… we are the only animal, per Gilbert, that thinks about the future.  We not only like to imagine the future, but we also like to plan (control) that future,… or at least desire the feeling of control.  In other words, we like that we can direct today’s actions/activities to bring us, or those close to us, happiness in the future.

But the punch line of the book is that it ‘basically’ doesn’t matter.  Tell me it isn’t so…!  Happiness is more random than we might think says the author.  There are just too many factors that contribute to what the future really brings.  And even if the future you have imagined or planned for comes about, there is a high likelihood it doesn’t bring you the happiness you had predicted.  So I sat down and thought about this, and I’m fairly well sold on his conclusion.  Is where I am today what I had predicted when I graduated from college, or even as recent as 10 years ago,… not really.  Things happen, opportunities arise, situations present themselves, decisions are made, and actions taken.  While it doesn’t necessarily match up with my imaginings of years earlier, does that mean I’m not happy…?  No.  I believe one’s happiness is found in the present,… in their perspective on the big things, and their enjoyment in the little things.

But that doesn’t stop me from thinking about the future.  As I said at the start, it’s what my role in research demands.  The difference is that my job has me thinking about the future of work, not about my ‘personal’ future.  Over the last seven years of intensely studying users, it has become ever more clear to me that the value the user derives is in the ‘experience’ of work.  Furniture is important, technology is important,… but there is so much more.  There is location, there is process, there is an entire service level that can enhance the output of individuals and groups as they pursue a task.  This is especially true when faced with complex problems of a collaborative nature.  For this reason, I have taken on the new role of Chief Experience Officer for Steelcase Inc.,… focused on creating great experiences, wherever work happens.  This doesn’t mean an end to this research blog - WorkIt,… it will continue, under the direction of WorkSpace Futures at Steelcase.  But it could mean a new blog I’m looking (imagining) at starting on work ‘experience’ design - maybe WorkEXP.  Are you interested…?

Comments

[Stephen Frey - AIA, LEED AP]

Mark,

Congratulations on stepping into the unknown of becoming the Chief Experience Officer. Kudos to your executive team and others to realize the importance of such a role in developing and extending the Steelcase Brand and way of thinking.

[Duncan]

I'm looking forward to seeing what you produce in the form of a new blog in the near future! Always a pleasure reading your material.