IOB Interview Stage

Our first approach for the project was to gain insight about the IOB from the employees and management through interviews.  We asked basic questions such as how long they have worked for the IOB, how did they become employed at the IOB, do they like working at the IOB, and also more personal questions to understand each employee better.  Although each individual had their own history that brought them to the IOB, they each had great pride in the work that they do and also were very thankful for the opportunities and independence that the IOB has provided them.  In looking at the company as a whole, the employees that worked at the IOB for 20+ years felt that the company has made positive improvement in the structure of management.  The company today is more unified and family oriented.  Every employee who we interviewed said they loved all the people at the IOB and also the one-on-one contact made them feel like part of the company rather than just an employee.  During the interviews we also asked the employees what they think could be done to improve the structure of the building, how they navigate throughout the building, and how we as designers can make the Greensboro community more aware of the IOB.  Some of the things mentioned were, wider hallways, more lights, more floor lines throughout the building to help guide.  Some of their suggestions to make the community more aware of the IOB were displaying history in a way that guided people throughout the factory.