The Future of Education: Reflections from EDspaces 2024

Hot takes from EDspaces 2024! Discover how we’re shaping the future of education with research-driven solutions, empowering voices, and inspiring insights.

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At KI, we believe in the power of collaboration to shape the future of education. This year’s EDspaces event provided an inspiring platform for education leaders, design professionals, and industry partners to come together, share ideas, and explore solutions that improve student outcomes.

Whether you’re a teacher, a designer, or a consultant, we all share the same goal: creating environments where students thrive. Together, we are not just imagining the future of education; we’re building it.

 

Empowering Voices in Education

Empowering educators and students is at the heart of everything we do at KI. With more than 60 years of combined experience in teaching and managing educational institutions, our education team deeply understands the transformative power of including teachers and students in decision-making processes.

When designing furniture, we prioritize their insights—ensuring that every color, product, and space aligns seamlessly with the dedication educators pour into their lesson plans and curriculums.

At EDspaces 2024, we showcased this commitment in a big way:

• Launching Cogni Classroom Chairs: A research-driven seating line inspired by direct conversations with teachers and students.
• Classroom Giveaway Participation: Encouraging attendees to cast votes for the most deserving classroom design.
• EDsession Highlights: Sharing research on how thoughtfully designed K-12 classrooms and college libraries enhance student engagement across community, well-being, and the environment.

 

Research-Driven Solutions for the Modern Classroom

Our human-centered products are a testament to the idea that furniture can significantly impact learning. (And our latest research proves it.)

From Cogni and Clamber (both coming soon!) to Ruckus and Imaginasium, our solutions are built on research and real-world insights. These also include our new Tributaire collection, Zeker modular seating, Sonrisa lounge seating, LimeLite seating, and custom freestanding felt privacy panel.

Cogni, in particular, received outstanding feedback at EDspaces:

• “Simply beautiful and incredibly innovative,” said top design firms.
• “The thought and detail behind this design changes how I think of seating altogether,” shared school leaders.
• Even the media noted, “You’ve redefined the meaning of a chair—well done.”

 

Beyond design, attendees also praised our focus on surface materiality:

• “Your colorways elevate K-12 aesthetics. They’re calming, inviting, and far beyond the primary colors typically associated with schools,” remarked a visitor.

This feedback reaffirms our mission: to create welcoming, inspiring spaces that encourage students to come to school and stay engaged. This critically reduces absenteeism and supports more meaningful and productive learning.

 

Highlights from Our EDsessions

College Libraries as Templates of Knowledge

This session resonated deeply with attendees, particularly librarians and designers. One librarian commented:

• “Thank you for recognizing the importance of visibly displaying books even as libraries evolve into collaborative spaces. Your insights validate what many of us feel is essential.”

Designers also appreciated our approach to “me and we” spaces and facilitating areas where students can be “alone together,” emphasizing the balance of solitude and collaboration in learning environments.

Catch up on our insights about how to design better college libraries:

• Design Better College Libraries With These 10 User Experience Drivers
• Design for College Libraries: 8 Ways to Prioritize Well-Being & Community
• Designing Better College Library Spaces: Leveraging 8 Key Shifts

 

What Teachers Really Think of Their Spaces

Though a smaller group, this session fostered meaningful dialogue between teachers, designers, and architects. The intimate setting allowed for deep engagement, and participants appreciated the opportunity to learn from experienced educators.

 

Meaningful Networking

Bold Women Event

This empowering event, which we proudly sponsored, celebrated women leaders in a male-dominated industry. Attendees praised the group’s authenticity and impact:

• “This isn’t just another networking group—these ladies get things done and have fun!”

Learn more about the Bold Women Collective and its year-round forum for connecting and sharing with other women in education.  

Happy Hour Connections

During our happy hour, one of the nation’s top school district leaders shared:

• “Your Cogni chair is a 10 out of 10. Its design, functionality, and price are game-changing.”

These interactions solidify partnerships and open doors for new opportunities, reminding us how critical it is for people to experience our furniture firsthand.

 

Trends in Education and Design

As we keenly observed and soaked in learning opportunities throughout EDspaces 2024, we identified several key trends shaping the future of education environments:

Hot Spaces in Education 

• Career and Technical Education (CTE) Spaces: There is a growing emphasis on hands-on learning environments that prepare students for specific careers.
• Science Tables and Collaboration Zones: An increased focus on STEM or STEAM spaces supports facilitation of group work and interactive learning, including makerspaces and collaborative zones.

Notables in Interior Design

• Muted, Calming Colors: There’s a notable shift toward color schemes that create a serene learning atmosphere. Our new graded laminates program offers myriad colorways that support this trend. 
• Height-Adjustable Desks: Furniture that accommodates various student/teacher needs and easily adapts is paramount. This is highlighted in our Ruckus height-adjustable desks and new stacking desks. 
• Focus on Student Comfort: Designs that prioritize comfort and fidgeting enhance student well-being and engagement. We answer this need with Ricochet stools and new MyPlace ottomans with an “active sit” base. 

These trends reflect a broader movement toward creating adaptable, inclusive, and engaging learning environments that cater to diverse student needs.

 

Building the Future of Education

The future of education is bright. By continuing to involve educators, students, and design professionals in the conversation, we can create environments that truly support and enhance the learning experience. 

And as we collaborate, share best practices, and involve these voices, we’re confident in the positive evolution of learning spaces for the remainder of this century and beyond.

To learn more about our latest innovations or request a product demo, please connect with your dedicated KI representative.

For a convenient takeaway on our new solutions from EDspaces 2024, download our show highlights.

 

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