Innovations: analogue meets digital in modern office

There is much talk of a paperless office yet in the real world, things still look very different. Many office supplies are hovering on the very threshold from analogue to digital, as showcased at the Insights-X which was held from 9 to 12 October 2019. In the second part of our four-part new products report, we have compiled a small selection of what's new in today’s modern office.

Scanning hand-written notes

There is a plethora of information that needs to be shared with many people at the office. If written by hand, notes are often typed out – a tedious and time-consuming task. Scribzee – a cloud-based app – simply scans the notes written by hand onto an Oxford product. The spiral-bound notepads are earmarked on the four corners of the page, which helps to connect the page with the user's smartphone for a perfect upload of the data into the cloud. The scanned notes are then available in the app in optimal quality. Archived in a smart and easy to find order, they can be conveniently shared in PDF format. 

Even if many documents are stored digitally these days, at times it is necessary to physically transport full sets of records or folders from A to B. YaKa is a handy and chic folder-holder which can be adjusted to carry all conventional folders. Made of polyester cotton and a cover layer from biocompatible PVC, it protects the folder and its content against wear and the elements, while keeping your hands free during transport. YaKa comes in ten colours and can be ordered via FolderSys.

Multi-functional writing utensils

To quickly jot down a few notes on a piece of paper and then carry on working on the tablet PC is a work step that happens more and more frequently in today's modern offices. To switch conveniently between analogue and digital, the ink pen from Online's Switch product family carries a nib on one side for a fluid writing feeling on paper, and an integrated stylus tip made of conductible plastic on the other end, which glides softly over capacitive surfaces. Thanks to an ergonomically shaped gripping section, this multi-functional writing utensil also sits nicely in your hand. With or without metal clip, Switch is a contemporary companion in today's digital world.

Recording complex topics visually

People are most and for all visual beings. Key words and especially images in different colours help the brain access and remember a respective context more easily. Thus, graphic recording is being used more and more frequently during meetings. Graphic recording is something of a visual documentation in real time, usually of large format. Staedtler's Lumocolor markers help to create this visual log on a whiteboard or flipchart. Structuring facts is simplified with the help of memos. the magnetic note by Helit is made of recyclable plastic and can be written on. Static electricity allows the notes to stick to almost all surfaces, including wood, plastic, and glass. These notes do not leave any trace residue and there is almost no loss of adhesion when removing and re-attaching the memos: a key to working effectively in today's modern offices.

About the author

Gabriela Kaiser has been the owner of a trend agency since 2002, after working 6 years as designer for knitwear. She visits trade fairs as a trend scout and gives lectures there. She advises companies from industry and trade on upcoming trends and writes regularly for various trade magazines.

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