Today we have two columns that take a look at technology deployments. The first, from Christopher Jaynes, features an as-yet unsolved problem related to collaboration in videoconferences he dubs “double join.” Have you encountered it? It happens when two people, both in the same room, who can share equipment for joining a videoconference with no problem, up until the point at which they both need to share content from their own devices. Then each device (person) needs to join the meeting separately. Read his argument for a more human-centered design approach below.
Jeff Hastings of BrightSign also talks about the deluge of temperature screening and monitoring devices that have hit the market since COVID-19 became our reality. In April, the FDA declared telethermographic systems to be “non-medical devices” and therefore not require FDA approval prior to being manufactured and sold in the U.S., thereby opening the proverbial floodgates; the AV and IT manufacturers weren’t shy about jumping right in. There are a variety of options to consider, from hand-held monitors to kiosks, which Jeff talks about in his article below. He also talks about other important considerations that should be factored into your thinking, such as accessibility (Will these kiosks meet the needs of everyone, or just adults of average height?), environmental factors (How much sun exposure will this location receive and will it affect the metrics?) and usage (How far away does a handheld device need to be held from a forehead to take an accurate reading?). It’s a small glimpse into this new territory of products, but you’ll definitely want to be educating yourself — whether you think they’re a good idea or not, these devices are probably headed your way, so get ready to have the temperatures of the people entering your building/room/campus become one more metric on your dashboard.