Insider

Hush Hybrid Pod Trial

By Jalynn Bugaj
F&S customer relations & communications intern

Shhhhh… Can you hear that? Exactly. Neither can anyone else—thanks to the Hush Hybrid pod!

Say hello to the future of workplace privacy: Introducing the Hush Hybrid pod, a game-changing solution designed to transform how staff navigate virtual conversations and meetings in an open office.

The Hush Hybrid pod is on a 60-day trial in Lincoln Hall, prompted by concerns from the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences (LAS) administration on the second floor regarding privacy and the limited availability of conference rooms for sensitive phone calls.

With six staff members working in an open office environment, coordination will be essential as they share one conference room and the new pod.

This location on campus is well-suited for a privacy pod due to its compact footprint. Existing electrical and data connections are conveniently located in a small alcove, and the setup ensures no disruption to traffic flow, exits, or sprinkler systems. Given the constraints on space for additional conference rooms, it will ultimately be up to the employees to determine whether to keep the pod permanently.

Hush Hybrid Pod Highlights

  • Speech level reduction at a measurement of 25.6 dB ensures the privacy of conversations.
  • Motion-activated, efficient ventilation and LED lighting systems guarantee comfort and convenience.
  • Additional face light strips with adjustable intensity.
  • Upholstered interior panels and seating.
  • Thermally fused laminate (TFL) worksurface.
  • Power module with standard outlet and ports for USB-A, USB-C, and Ethernet.
  • Built-in casters for easy movement.

This test pod model is designed for single person use and is compact enough for easy relocation if needed. Its interior components are fixed to accommodate one user and include an upholstered bench, an adjustable worksurface, and built-in lighting with dimmability options. Users are required to make a reservation for the pod, similar to reserving a conference room.

The sides of the pods are made of glass, allowing visibility to indicate when they are in use. Privacy is ensured through effective sound-dampening acoustic materials.

The pods are not fully soundproof to ensure users can hear the fire alarm.

User Experience

Trish Barker, Director of Communications at LAS, explained that the privacy of the hush pod is outstanding.

“As soon as I closed the door, the outside sound completely faded out. I was confident while using the pod for a meeting that I wasn’t disturbing people nearby,” said Barker. She described how, although she routinely uses headphones for virtual meetings, when she’s doing a lot of talking, she’s still conscious of how she might be disturbing her cubicle-mates.

“The pod is a much better option than headphones or reserving an entire conference room just for myself, so I anticipate that I would use it several times every week if it were permanently available.”

Barker mentioned that it was very easy to reserve the pod through Outlook. She simply added it to a meeting reservation that was already on her calendar, the same way she would typically reserve a conference room.

Important Factors for Pod Installation

Facility managers or building occupants interested in installing a pod in the future should consider several factors that could either support or hinder its placement in the desired location.

The Codes Compliance department requires the relevant department or unit to complete a form to initiate the process. After submission, a site visit will be conducted to assess the proposed location. During this visit, the following factors will be reviewed:

  • Handicap Accessibility: Ensure the location is accessible for individuals using wheelchairs or identify what accommodations will be provided to meet accessibility standards.
  • Pod Size: Verify that the pod’s dimensions fit the allocated space.
  • Proposed Location and Path of Travel: Assess the pod’s placement within the building and the ease of access to it.
  • Location of Sprinkler Heads: Confirm that the pod does not obstruct the fire sprinkler system.
  • Location of Fire Strobes: Ensure fire strobe lights are not blocked and remain fully visible.
  • Ceiling Height: Check that the ceiling height accommodates the pod adequately.

By addressing these factors, facility managers and occupants can ensure that the pod installation complies with regulatory requirements and upholds building safety and accessibility standards.

For anyone interested in requesting a Hush Hybrid pod, find the application and detailed instructions here: https://docs.fs.illinois.edu/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Privacy-Pod-Application.pdf