Project Overview
When Edmonton's Mosaic Centre—the world's northernmost net-zero commercial building—moved into their open-concept workspace, they quickly discovered a universal problem: nowhere to take a private call. The Mosaic Centre approached Onetwosix design to solve their immediate privacy needs, but what emerged was the Loop Phone Booth—a market-leading product now serving companies from Pokémon in Seattle to Shopify in San Francisco.
Services Provided
The scope of work covered analysis of end-user needs, early-stage design iteration, production-focused refinement, in-house manufacturing review, and preparation for launch and expanded output.
User research and needs analysis
Concept development and prototyping|
Design for manufacturing optimization
In-house production and quality control
Market launch and scaling strategy
Before the Partnership
The Mosaic Centre exemplified the modern workplace dilemma: open-concept offices designed for collaboration often sacrifice the privacy needed for focused work and confidential conversations.
No existing market solutions met the quality and aesthetic standards needed
Required immediate functionality: lighting, ventilation, electrical, and comfort for extended use
Needed to complement modern office aesthetics while providing genuine acoustic privacy
Had to be modular and relocatable for flexible office environments
Required sustainable manufacturing approach aligned with net-zero building values
The gap was clear: while open offices had become the norm for economic and collaborative reasons, the market lacked elegant, functional privacy solutions that could integrate seamlessly into contemporary workspaces.
What We Did
Onetwosix Design took a comprehensive approach, treating this as a client solution at first, and then a market opportunity. We began with extensive user research at the Mosaic Centre, developing two initial concepts: built-in booths with folding doors and self-contained moveable units.
Conducted on-site user observation and needs analysis
Developed multiple concept directions balancing aesthetics with functionality
Built two mock-up prototypes and one fully functional prototype for real-world testing
Gathered user feedback over several months of testing in the actual office environment
Refined design based on acoustic performance, user comfort, and manufacturing optimization
Design Innovation and Manufacturing Integration
The final design showcased Onetwosix Design's ability to balance user needs with manufacturing efficiency. We integrated magnetic door closure with rubber gasket sealing, interior sound-dampened wall panels, pressure-sensitive ventilation and lighting controls, ergonomic seating, functional workspace with electrical outlets, and an integrated whiteboard—all within a beautifully crafted maple veneer exterior.
Critical to success was our decision to design for scalable manufacturing. Using computer-controlled woodcutting machines for precision and consistency, we developed an assembly process that could maintain quality while enabling customization options including various wood finishes, interior laminates, upholstery choices, and color combinations.
Proven Results
The Loop Phone Booth transformed from a single workplace solution into a thriving product line that demonstrates the power of thoughtful design combined with manufacturing expertise.
Orders from major companies including Pokémon, Shopify, and numerous tech firms across North America
Projected 200 units sold annually with expansion into 2-4 person meeting booth variants
$10,000 price point reflecting quality and functionality that commands premium market position
In-house production capability enabling rapid customization and quality control
The product's success validated Onetwosix design's approach of identifying real user needs and developing manufacturable solutions. Companies that initially ordered one booth consistently returned for additional units, demonstrating genuine user satisfaction and product-market fit.
Loop Phone Booths are now looking at expanding into new market opportunities including airports and other public spaces requiring private work environments, showcasing the design's versatility and broad market appeal.
