In a collaboration between the Live Well Collaborative and Boeing, a multidisciplinary team of designers, engineers, and graduate students were tasked with using the principles of inclusive design and state-of-the-art-technologies to create innovations that disrupt the travel experience. Areas to consider included in-flight experience, food delivery systems, and luggage services. From these considerations several concepts emerged, one of which redesigned the cabin interior to offer a fresh and innovative approach to travel.
The team examined how evolving the workspace in a plane cabin could lead to innovative changes in the way that work is accomplished in business class. They examined how the experience could be enhanced with minimal disruption to cabin orperations and safety.
At this point, the team found inspiration from the experience provided by coffee houses. Coffee house environments are unique since they offer a desirable experience with maximum productivity and some customization, without high comfort or privacy. This became the team’s initial idea for further development.
The team generated detailed sketches of what a potential ‘Coffee House’ seating zone would look like and created 3D models and physical mockups to validate introducing an entirely new seating zone into the aircraft. Using VR software, the team illustrate these spaces in an immersive environment. The project was patented by Boeing and won a Crystal Cabin Award in 2020/2021.
“Luxury for the current traveler means I want to fly safe. I want to get to my destination in comfort but be mindful of my personal space. These are values that we weren't necessarily thinking about back then so I can definitely see lots of excitement in offering new ways in which you could choose a specific kind of seat.”
—
Local 12 News, Press Release
A challenge with any innovation in the cabin is the constant demand for space. The seating aisles of an aircraft are effectively the most expensive real estate in the world, with each seat lost representing a loss of 1 million dollars in revanue that must somehow be accounted for. How can we improve the passenger experience while minimizing space loss?
The Coffee House Cabin is a productivity-focused zone targeting the must have needs of the business traveler; a dedicated workstation and personal space. Priced above basic economy and below first class, it features space-efficient tables located in the center of the aircraft. With four passengers seated at each table, this space allows passengers to have their own personal workspace during flight.
By examining current gaps in offerings for the business class experience, the team identified an under-explored area between economy seating and traditional business class. By understanding this need, the team developed a solution that delivered upon these essential needs while keeping costs low for travelers who ordinarily wouldn't consider business class seats.
The concept went on to be patented and win the 2020 Crystal Cabin Award, showing that the Live Well Collaborative model continues to produce innovative concepts through interdisciplinary research and development.
