A commercial real estate business has developed an immersive system to help companies "test-drive" new office spaces before making a decision about them.
Jones Lang LaSalle Incorporated (JLL) specializes in helping clients find the appropriate office space for their businesses. NXT Office, developed by the company’s subsidiary Tetris, lets clients virtually "experience" what it's like to work in a given space and easily pull up relevant information about the building. According to chief operating officer Richard Howling, the appeal of NXT Office lies in its use of "the latest technologies combined with exclusive data sets."
The NXT Office studio, which is housed in JLL's London headquarters, boasts nine connected screens located around the room. Infrared sensors allow users to move information freely on and between screens by gesturing at them. The integrated system enables users to "move" between potential locations easily, allowing side-by-side comparisons of different office spaces. The office is also connected to exclusive databases with information about the buildings and their surroundings, including social and economic insights.
According to JLL's website, the ability to conveniently compare office workspaces makes the selection process up to 85 percent faster. "The time involved in moving from long-list to short-list will be cut dramatically as occupiers will have detailed access to available properties, of which they will be able to enjoy a guided virtual tour supported by pioneering technology," said Neil Prime, head of JLL's Central London offices.