COLLECTION NAME:
Graduate Thesis Collection
Record
Title:
“Roamote” Ecosystem: Fortifying Work-Life Balance for Gen Z Digital Nomads in a New Era of Rail-Travel
Creator:
Monaghan, Brianne
Subject:
Thesis (M.F.A.) – Interior Design
Subject:
Savannah College of Art and Design -- Department of Interior Design
Rights:
Copyright is retained by the authors or artists of items in this collection, or their descendants, as stipulated by United States copyright law.
Abstract:
“Gen Z is changing the construct of the workplace through their prioritization of wellness and shifting values. Digital nomadism has become an alluring lifestyle among Gen Z, as it aligns with their desire for personal fulfillment, rich experiences, and a purposeful life. This lifestyle, made possible through tech-enabled remote work, has had a substantial impact on the travel industry. With sustainability efforts at the core of this generation's mission, there is a renewed interest in rail travel, as they seek alternatives to flying. This interest, paired with the allocation of billions of dollars in federal funding for rail development, led to the selection of Amtrak's California Zephyr as the point of implementation for this study. A mixed-methods approach, consisting of surveys, content analysis, and case studies helped identify the needs of the next-generation rail traveler. Accordingly, a triangulation of the research informed a new adaptation of Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs for Gen Z digital nomads that includes intentional spaces at the personal, professional, and social levels, in addition to variable spaces that blend these boundaries. Implications for design include the use of technology as a tool, rather than exclusively as an amenity, to enhance the user journey, and allow for choice of experiences. Modular cells within the train cars allow the train to be reconfigured and adapt to the evolving needs of future generations, extending its lifecycle. Using the implications for design derived from the research, the Zephyr journey provides a holistic ecosystem, fortified by design, where Gen Z digital nomads can thrive, as they redefine work-life balance. This is a curated experience at the crossroads of industries including hospitality, health, workplace, travel, and tourism. This study can evolve the rail industry and help inform the future of transportation design.” –Abstract
Keywords: Gen Z, mental health, digital nomad, long-distance train travel, interior design, Amtrak, third place, boundaries, Maslow’s hierarchy of needs.
Keywords: Gen Z, mental health, digital nomad, long-distance train travel, interior design, Amtrak, third place, boundaries, Maslow’s hierarchy of needs.
Publisher:
Savannah, Georgia : Savannah College of Art and Design
Date:
2024-05
Format:
2 online resources: 1 PDF (Thesis, 93 pages, color illustrations) + 1 PDF (Studio component, 1 page)