A Day of Design Exploration With Ball State University
OfficeWorks was proud to host the Ball State Senior Furniture Design Studio for a day of hands-on learning and exploration in our Fishers showroom.
A Day of Design Exploration With Ball State University
OfficeWorks was proud to host the Ball State Senior Furniture Design Studio, Fall Class of 2025, led by Dr. Shireen Kanakri, for a day of hands-on learning and exploration in our Fishers showroom. The visit reflected OfficeWorks’ commitment to helping build a better community by giving students a place to stretch their ideas beyond the classroom and into real design settings.
Exploring Sensory-Centered Furniture Design
This semester, students are researching and developing a Sensory Well-Being Hub designed to support children with autism. The project is rooted in evidence-based design and created in partnership with the Mitchell Early Childhood and Family Center in Muncie, Indiana.
During their visit, students shared their in-progress concepts with the OfficeWorks team. Four design groups presented their furniture solutions and responded to questions from a panel of judges volunteered by OfficeWorks, offering a meaningful opportunity to articulate their process and refine their ideas.
Guidance From Industry Practitioners
The visit also featured learning sessions led by Nancy Ramsey, Senior Market Manager at MillerKnoll, and Megan Hale, Director of Design at OfficeWorks. Nancy provided historical context around Herman Miller and Knoll, while Megan offered insight into how furniture strategy and workplace design come together to support human needs. Their guidance helped students understand how research-driven furniture concepts evolve into practical solutions used in everyday spaces.
A Shared Commitment to Community
After touring the showroom and seeing how real-world environments influence design decisions, students were recognized with a thoughtful gift to celebrate their work. The day reinforced our commitment to supporting education, uplifting future designers, and strengthening community partnerships that inspire meaningful, human-centered design.
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