Exploring the health benefits of an emoting water cooler

The workspace environment is increasingly reflecting a shift from traditional work-oriented objectives to promoting work-life balance. Technology has the ability to play a pivotal role at increasing workplace enjoyment through the incorporation of elements of health, fun, and employee activities. In this paper, we explore how an interactive installation, developed using an open-source toolkit, leverages affective computing and persuasive technology to reinforce an office environment focused on employee engagement and well-being. The result is an anthropomorphized water cooler display designed to reinvent the "water cooler" experience -- conveying emotional properties and interacting with bystanders to encourage water consumption and overall employee interaction.