Steelcase and Logitech Launch XR ‘Ocular View’ Experience – XR Today

Steelcase and Logitech have launched ‘Ocular View’ to create more immersive and engaging conversations.

Workplace solutions researcher and designer Steelcase teamed up with hardware and software maker Logitech to create an augmented reality (XR) experience that would feel like remote call participants are right in front of you.

To achieve this, Steelcase combined its hybrid collaboration know-how and design work with Logitech’s video collaboration technology, while supporting software such as Microsoft Teams and Zoom.

Christina VernonGeneral Manager of Distributed Collaboration and Technical Partners for Steelcasedescribed the driving forces that brought Ocular View to life: “People need better hybrid collaboration options – especially at a time when we’re spending so much of our day on video – so we wanted to create a more realistic experience that would helped fight digital fatigue.

“Project Ghost was an experiment to see if people could connect virtually in the same way as over a cup of coffee.

“What we discovered through all our conversations and in-person demos was that people wanted this kind of immersive, distraction-free experience to really improve their connections with their colleagues.”

“Project Ghost” comes to life

According to Steelcase, Ocular View raises the bar on personal well-being, social connection and privacy in one fell swoop, which the company’s recent research found to be top priorities for employees.

First unveiled in its prototype form at Integrated Systems Europe in 2023 under the name ‘Project Ghost’, Ocular View was born as a result of an investigation to understand the needs of workers within hybrid communications and collaboration.

Vernon explains how long this XR project has been in the making: “Working with our technology partners early in the process gives our designers an edge to create spaces that seamlessly integrate technology so people can focus on what that is important – the actual conversation.

“We have been working with Logitech for several years and this project was the clear next step in building the best hybrid solutions.”

Features of the Eye View

Ocular View is housed inside the Steelcase Everwall, or known as Orangebox Campers and Dens in Europe, which is essentially a small, compartmentalized space large enough to fit one or two people, thus increasing privacy and reducing potential distractions.

The all-in-one hybrid collaboration experience features a sofa, small desk and soft lighting.

The Ocular View camera is positioned at eye level, which connects the sight lines of call participants and encourages a more natural gaze to increase personal engagement.

“Organically shaped” tables are also featured in the Steelcase Ocular Collection portfolio to enhance these sight lines and strengthen appointment equity.

Alex MooneyAlliance and Go-To-Market Manager for Logitechgave her perspective on the product partnership: “When we started this project, we asked ourselves how we could create a more human connection where technology fades into the background and people take center stage.

“By working with Steelcase so closely, we’re able to let everyone experience Ocular View, which removes the obvious presence of technology to focus on the engagement between two people. It’s an experience unlike anything available before.”

Ocular View is currently available in North America and some European countries. The Everwall configurations will become available in the summer of 2024, with the Orangebox version planned for Europe in the summer of 2024 and North American markets around the fall and winter of 2024.