Kimball International Announces Research that Connects Culture, Belonging, and Sensory Design

Kimball International proudly announces the launch of new research, created in collaboration with Ipsos, a global leader in market research, and Arigami, a distinguished interdisciplinary research team. This pioneering study, Creating Places to Belong: The Value of Culture and Connection, looks at the profound impact culture, sensory design, and furniture have on cultivating a sense of belonging within organizations.

Conducted under the guidance of experts from esteemed institutions such as Harvard, Stanford, Oxford, and Cambridge, this research initiative brings together a diverse array of experts in behavioral science, neuroaesthetics, and design innovation. Through meticulous analysis and comprehensive exploration, the study identifies key insights crucial to understanding the intersection between design and belonging.

“We approach our research with a blend of interdisciplinary expertise and academic rigor, all aimed at unlocking hidden but groundbreaking insights,” said Ari Peralta, Founder of Arigami and one of the contributing experts to the study. “We don’t follow trends. We discover them.”

This research represents a significant milestone in the quest to create inclusive environments that foster connection, community, comfort, and choice for organizations. By harnessing the power of culture through sensory and space design, organizations can pave the way for greater engagement, productivity, and satisfaction among their members.

Key findings of the research include:

•  Identification of current trends influencing the imperative for belonging in contemporary society.

•  The significance of belonging for both organizations and their employees.

•  Recognition of the intricate relationship between organizational culture, fundamental human needs, and purposeful sensory design in fostering a sense of belonging.

•  Guidance on translating organizational culture into tangible design strategies to enhance the sense of belonging within spaces.

"We are thrilled to unveil the findings of this collaborative research effort," said Jessica Gubbins, Vice President of Brand and Insights Marketing at Kimball International. "In today's rapidly evolving landscape, where the need for belonging has never been more pronounced, this research offers invaluable insights into the transformative potential of design. We are confident that the findings will empower organizations to create spaces where individuals feel seen, heard, and valued."

Learn more about the research

About Kimball International

Kimball International is a leading commercial furnishings company with deep expertise in the Workplace, Health, and Hospitality markets. We combine our bold entrepreneurial spirit, a history of craftsmanship, and today’s design-driven thinking alongside a commitment to our culture of caring and lasting connections with our customers, employees, and communities. For over 70 years, our brands have seized opportunities to customize solutions into personalized experiences, turning ordinary spaces into meaningful places. Our family of brands includes Kimball, National, Etc., Interwoven, Kimball Hospitality, D’style,  and David Edward. Kimball International, based in Jasper, Indiana, is a business unit of HNI Corporation.