S8, E5: Designing for a New Era: Melissa Marsh on Connection, AI & Workplace Culture

From the buzz of innovation to the quiet power of intentional design, NeoCon 2025 revealed a future where design, human connection, and technology converge. The conversation is no longer just about products—it’s about how environments shape behavior, how data informs design, and how workplaces can foster both safety and creativity. This year’s show spotlighted a growing emphasis on “placefulness”—the emotional and functional resonance of space—and the critical role it plays in organizational culture. As workplaces digitize and hybrid models evolve, the most forward-thinking brands are designing not just for productivity, but for presence, trust, and transformation. In today’s episode, we’re joined by Melissa Marsh to help us unpack the major themes and insights that emerged from this year’s NeoCon 2025 show. We explore key takeaways around workplace design in a post-hybrid world and the deeper shifts happening in change management and organizational culture. Melissa is the founder and executive director of PLASTARC and a visionary in workplace strategy, change management, and the future of work. Melissa has been at the forefront of reshaping how we think about space, connection, and experience.  Ready to Tune in Now! Key Highlights from the Episode: [00:01] Introduction and what's for you in today’s show [02:50] What's coming up this summer at Thrive In Design [06:57] What Melissa found as a vibe at NeoCon in product design      [11:04] Using AI for real-time data processing to change the workplace experience  [16:34] The evolving intersection of design and technology  [20:31] Innovations that stood out to Melissa at NeoCon—and why [26:53] What “placefulness” means and how it showed up at NeoCon [30:27] Urban transformation: Digitization of the city [32:16] Cool vs warm colors: Melissa’s NeoCon favorite bag  [34:38] Wrap-up and end of the show Notable Quotes:  “In order to do our best work, we need to feel safe in a place.”  “Feeling safe with using AI comes down to transparency and giving people control over the tools they use.” “Be careful of assuming that the digital solution is the sustainable solution.   Let’s Connect: Connect with Melissa Marsh: Website: https://plastarc.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissaemarsh/ Learn more about Thrive In Design:  Website: thriveindesign.co Instagram: @thriveindesign Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/thriveindesign/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thriveindesign/   🎓 Register for the next Thrive in Design live training: https://training.thriveindesign.co/ 📘 Get your copy of "The Ultimate Guide to A&D Sales": https://www.thriveindesign.co/brand-reps 📚Enroll in the School of Strategy by Thrive In Design:  https://www.thriveindesign.co/school