6 Design Trends to Rehumanize the Workplace

Staying ahead of trends in design and technology is essential for creating spaces where people thrive. In a livestreamed event hosted by Haworth, industry experts shared how workplace design is evolving with the influence of artificial intelligence. The conversation focused on creating environments that foster human connection, well-being, and adaptability in an increasingly digital world.

Titled 2025 Design Trends: Rehumanizing Space Amid the Rise of AI, the panel discussion was moderated by Cindy Allen, Editor-in-Chief of Interior Design, and featured:

• Marta Wassenaar - Director of Workplace Research, Strategy, and Insights at Haworth

•  Brooks Morelock - Principal Design Director at Gensler New York

• Alexandria Davis - Executive Board Member of IIDA New York and ID Project Lead at Corgan

Together, the participants shared their insights on design trends and explored how spaces can evolve in response to AI. They provided real-world examples of how they are incorporating these trends into their design projects—ensuring that human experiences remain at the center of workplace design.

Marta Wassenaar set the stage with a look at how technology has reshaped the workplace over time. Each innovation has influenced office design, from structured assembly lines to the rise of paper storage for typewriters and the bulky word processors that required dedicated stations. The arrival of personal computers brought large workstations, later streamlined by laptops that enabled more flexible, activity-based planning.

The smartphone untethered employees, increasing mobility but also keeping them constantly connected. More recently, hybrid technology revolutionized collaboration, making virtual connections seamless. Now, as AI enters the workplace, it brings new possibilities—and uncertainties—about the future of work.

As workplaces evolve, automation and digital tools are redefining how we collaborate, solve problems, and create. However, this transformation isn’t just about efficiency—it’s about reclaiming time for deeper human connection.

Morgan Stanley estimates that 44% of all labor globally will be impacted by artificial intelligence. This is across industries, showing the wide reach this technological disruptor will have on us all. McKinsey, too, estimates that AI will automate work activities that currently occupy 60 to 70% of our time today.

This means that AI's automation of our repetitive activities will give us an opportunity to refocus our time at work. We can focus on more complex and more human work modes, that technology can't replicate—exercising creative thinking, using emotional intelligence and moral judgement in our decision-making. We can practice empathy for our peers and collaborate to problem-solve.  And, perhaps what makes us most human, we can connect.

At Haworth, we know that workplace culture thrives on connection. A strong culture drives innovation, engagement, and collaboration, unifying employees and inspiring them to perform effectively. With AI handling administrative tasks, organizations have an opportunity to prioritize human interaction—enhancing employee satisfaction and delivering greater business value, as companies reap the improvements of spending more time nurturing culture.

As AI transforms work, bringing warmth and sentiment into workplace design is essential. Creating spaces that encourage connection helps counterbalance the digital shift, ensuring workplaces remain authentic and engaging.

These 6 trends, shared by the experts in our livestream, demonstrate how thoughtful design can transform offices into spaces that inspire, energize, and support employees in doing their best work.

1. Color Drenching

Color drenching is energizing a space with the infusion of color. It involves using a single color in varying shades throughout a space to create an immersive and engaging environment. This technique can transform a room, making it feel more cohesive and dynamic. The panel's examples of spaces utilizing this trend highlighted its ability to evoke emotions and create a memorable experience by bringing culture and the community into a space. Cindy reinforced how welcoming this trend is for editors to cover beautiful projects with color.

2. Curated Collectables

Also known as “bookshelf wealth,” this trend integrates personal and meaningful objects into workplace design. These items can tell a story and add a unique touch to a space, making it feel more personalized and human. The panelists shared case studies and examples of how curated collectables have been successfully integrated into various projects, enhancing the overall ambiance and connection to the space. Alex specifically referenced a project where their client wanted to pull from the local art scene to bring employees and visitors into a space that felt personal to the company.

3. Sensorial Design

Sensorial design focuses on engaging multiple senses to create a more holistic and impactful experience. By incorporating elements that appeal to sight, sound, touch, and even smell, designers can create environments that get people in the right frame of mind and help them interact with the activity they want to do. As an example of this trend, Brooks shared one of his favorite projects that demonstrated how sensorial design can elevate the user experience in the workplace.

4. Natural Imperfections

The natural imperfections trend embraces authenticity and organic elements in design. By incorporating materials and features that showcase natural variations and imperfections, spaces can feel more grounded and real. This approach not only adds character but also promotes a sense of well-being and connection to nature.

The panelists showed project examples that considered sustainability and showcased the "honest" imperfections in raw materials and greenery.

5. Shy Technology

Technology should enhance rather than overpower workplace experiences. Shy technology integrates seamlessly into spaces, ensuring digital tools support human interaction rather than dominate it. This concept focuses on balancing technology with human-centered design, so that tech enhancements support the user experience without overshadowing it. Examples shown of shy technology in action illustrated how it can be subtly incorporated into various environments.

6.  Activated Comfort

Activated comfort is about participating in spaces that aren’t tied to a desk. This trend emphasizes the importance of ancillary furniture, flexible layouts, and elements that promote relaxation and productivity. Designs prioritize comfort and well-being, bringing in movement to help people make special connections and collaborate. Insights from the panelists highlighted the potential to create more supportive and enjoyable workspaces. They shared examples of how creating activated comfort may mean intentionally designing and implementing spaces where employees aren't necessarily looking at digital screens.

The discussion reinforced the importance of human-centered design amid AI’s growing presence in the workplace. The 6 trends—color drenching, curated collectables, sensorial design, natural imperfections, shy technology, and activated comfort—work together to create a more engaging, authentic, and human workplace.

At a time when technology is reshaping how we work, organizations have an opportunity to design spaces that support creativity, collaboration, and well-being. Rather than focusing solely on AI-driven efficiency, we must prioritize human interaction, cultural expression, and a sense of belonging.

As workplaces continue to evolve, embracing these trends will ensure that offices remain spaces where people thrive—not just places where work gets done.

Don't miss the insightful discussions from Haworth's 2025 Design Trends event. The panelists shared exclusive insights and real-world examples for each trend. Learn how to rehumanize your spaces amid the rise of AI and earn Continuing Education Units (CEUs) by completing the quiz at the end.