Salamander Designs has always been hard at work understanding how technology and people come together better and how we, as a company, can create next generation solutions to support them in the best way possible.

As part of our current efforts, we sat down with futurist Gregory Harper, president and founder of Harpervision Associates, expert authority on collaboration systems, and the driving force behind many of the technological innovations we all enjoy, for his take on the current status of the hybrid collaboration conference and meeting room.

“Things have shifted. Today we face more of a psychology problem than a product or technology problem,” Greg told us. “Technology is generally easy to use. Now it’s about how people can see, hear, interact and be on an even playing field from wherever they are. The emphasis is focused on the experience.”

Salamander Designs has always been hard at work understanding how technology and people come together better and how we, as a company, can create next generation solutions to support them in the best way possible.

As part of our current efforts, we sat down with futurist Gregory Harper, president and founder of Harpervision Associates, expert authority on collaboration systems, and the driving force behind many of the technological innovations we all enjoy, for his take on the current status of the hybrid collaboration conference and meeting room.

“Things have shifted. Today we face more of a psychology problem than a product or technology problem,” Greg told us. “Technology is generally easy to use. Now it’s about how people can see, hear, interact and be on an even playing field from wherever they are. The emphasis is focused on the experience.”

The change is about finding that ideal balance of personalization and human interaction than it is products, he explained. Since the pandemic, now the technology we have at our own individual desk has eclipsed what we used to see in a traditional meeting or conference room where everyone gathered. These factors are simultaneously what’s now and what’s next. 

Harpervision Associates is the recognized authority on these matters. Greg has been senior adviser to many manufacturers, leading Wall Street investment banks, hospitals, communication companies, and other high-profile firms for over 25 years. He is the CIO of Gateway, a Nordic Innovation Center In New York City where many of these developments are prototyped, tested, and demonstrated. It’s a fascinating living lab where everyone comes to see, hear and experience all the technology in real-world settings.  

So how does Salamander Designs contribute to this living lab and the future of the workplace? Salamander equips teams with furniture conducive to experiential interaction, collaboration and ultimately business progress.  

Bringing Order to Disorder

“Furniture is integral to the experience of any office today,” Greg said. “We find that people don’t want to walk into a room and see technology and wires all over; that’s complex and distracting. People generally don’t like clutter, they navigate to clean, simple, easy, seamless—and the right furniture does this.”

Before Salamander Designs was added to Gateway, large screens were on walls with wires hanging down, and the screens were fixed or mobile. The cabling to touch panels, computers and components were strewn about the conference table. Enter Salamander, and the company’s furniture provided a beautiful way to hide all the components, add proper ventilation for equipment and performance, and serve aesthetic needs, all at the same time. Wires are now hidden in easily accessible runways; cameras are mounted precisely where needed and tables are designed in a variety of shapes for every application and so everyone has natural access to monitors, mics and discussions.

At Gateway, Greg uses Salamander conference tables, mobile carts and other pieces of furniture that provide the core foundation for collaboration. He has an unusual application as is often changing out equipment, but these benefits are the same whether you’re frequently swapping gear or the gear is stationary for an extended period. The before and after with the furniture is dramatic. Greg has a 65” and an 88” display on two different Salamander Designs motorized stands. He finds that being able to adjust to different heights quickly and easily for different people and use cases is significant. Having the ability to bring displays up and down effortlessly is a vital experience.

“It’s very clear that Salamander Designs focuses heavily on the ergonomics in their research and development process by the way the furniture systems function and how they deliver big benefits to the end user,” added Greg. “ADA compliance is also critical, which Salamander furniture has. These features combined play a significant role in creating a most useful, compliant and user-friendly workspace.”

Greg added that the Salamander furniture exceeds the various configurations and needs – of the lab, and for end customers. His Salamander table is clean looking, yet includes he necessary functionality and many benefits without compromise.