Why do some spaces instantly make us feel at home while others leave us restless? From the colors we see to the sounds around us, discover seven fascinating ways our surroundings shape how we feel and why thoughtful design makes all the difference.

At NeoCon 2026, Haworth showcased how thoughtful design can bring together craftsmanship, performance, and human-centered experiences. Through new product innovations, designer collaborations, and a focus on adaptability, Haworth demonstrated its vision for creating workplaces that feel more welcoming, functional, and inspiring.

The workplace is rapidly evolving beyond outdated office design standards built around rigidity, visibility, and uniformity. Today’s most effective environments prioritize flexibility, focus, human connection, and adaptability through layered spaces, hospitality-inspired design, acoustic privacy, and more thoughtful workplace experiences. As companies rethink how people work best, the modern office is becoming less about rows of desks, and more about creating environments where employees can truly thrive.

In December 2023, we used DALL-E 3 to prompt Artificial Intelligence (AI) to convey how it interprets the modern workplace. One year later, we ran the test again to compare the changing perception this technology has on how and where we work. Here are the results.