New issues, new solutions in post-Covid world: Virtual jamming spaces for colleagues, ‘experience genie’ device

Dr. Anupama Wagh-Koppar

The COVID-19 quarantine has been an emotional experience for most people. It has been reflective and challenging in equal measure. Generally, isolation allows a rethink about life, about your immediate surroundings and your relationships.

Covid-19 has had similar effects on personal transformation. From my conversations with colleagues & friends, the words that consistently appeared are mindfulness, meaningful relationships, gratitude and respect for nature.


And, why not?

Connecting virtually has been almost like a life-support system during the quarantine period. It has also established the concept of virtual life as an everyday existence. What will people seek & how can innovators help? We already see online communities that bond strongly over shared interests, making the virtual world stronger than ever before. We know that language has a cultural context and there is room for miscommunication, especially in chats and emails. There is an opportunity to go beyond spelling and grammar autocorrect; having a ‘culture autocorrect’ phrase setting to smoothen interaction and ease communication. In an official context, virtual connections are not as easy as they seem, especially when we work with colleagues from different cultures around the world.

Our professional interactions are different from our personal ones, we express ourselves differently at work. Today we use emojis less often in the professional context, as they are quite personal. With increasing virtual office interactions, it would be a great communication tool to have Professional Expression emojis.

While on the subject of communication, creating a ‘virtual jamming space’ for colleagues to hang out, akin to a smoke break or a coffee break, could facilitate chats, which are not possible in formal emails or team meetings.

There is constant innovation in the digital world, newer versions and technologies replacing the old. As a user, the one thing I wish virtual interactions allowed, is a sensorial experience. We are witnessing virtual birthday celebrations, parties, and culinary achievements online during the quarantine phase. I am imagining an ‘experience genie’ device attachment or app that has pre-loaded sensorial information. Imagine at a virtual birthday party, if one could blow a candle across a video call, or smell the dish your mother has cooked while seeing the picture or being able to smell your loved ones‘ perfume when you speak to them would make the experience intensely personal.

And like virtual life, real life will see changes too. For public places like theatres, museums, there is a possibility that people prefer to book space rather than seats to ensure that they are not in close quarters with strangers.

The home office is already seeing innovations in terms of suitable lighting for video calls, pre-built home office space in apartments, ergonomic seating and many such ideas to make working from home effective. I am sure there will soon be home office fashion that will allow people to transition from giving the pro vibe on an office call to effortlessly being a homebody.

It will be interesting to see whether the Covid-19 quarantine becomes like an adventure boot camp with memories and stories or if it brings about a lasting change. Coupled with globalization and mobility, I believe it will bring about a change and this is just the beginning. In the post-Covid world, we will face new issues and need new solutions.


- Dr. Anupama Wagh-Koppar is presently based in Tokyo, with L’Oréal Nihon, Research & Innovation as an Innovation director for Hair métier –Asia. She is passionate about innovation & design thinking. Having worked in strategic planning, brand strategy and insights across diverse industries such as FMCG, healthcare and lifestyle products, she has the ability to cross-pollinate her learning. Japan, a country known for its innovation, has further fueled her passion for innovation. The views and ideas in this article are her personal work, and do not borrow or use any confidential information from the company.