At the Tertiary Education Commission’s (TEC) Wellington office, Room 9.7 had all the right ingredients: ample space, a central location and a solid tech foundation. Yet, despite seating up to 16 and being AV equipped, it remained largely unused. Why? TwentyTwo’s Matthew Peko Fox explains...
The technology was clunky. Audio frequently cut out, especially during high-volume moments like team karakia, making inclusive participation difficult. The layout hindered remote collaboration. Over time, teams grew frustrated and avoided the space altogether.
Rethinking the space, not replacing it
That’s where TwentyTwo came in, not with a blank slate approach but with a smarter, more sustainable mindset. We listened to TEC’s needs, observed how the room was and wasn’t being used and built on the existing setup rather than starting from scratch.
By upgrading only the critical components, such as microphones and cameras, while retaining the existing speakers, screens and computers, we kept costs low and sustainability high.
Simple, seamless and empowering
The real transformation came through usability and performance, especially in the audio system. The new setup not only resolved previous issues but also actively enhanced team engagement. Where the old system would cut out during karakia, the upgraded audio now supports full, uninterrupted participation, amplifying voices clearly and inclusively across the room.
This improvement has also emboldened the use of Room 9.7 for hybrid workshops, enabling seamless collaboration between onsite and remote teams. With just one tap, TEC staff can now switch between three intuitive room modes:
- Boardroom Mode – Ideal for hybrid meetings, with ceiling microphones and a wide-angle camera ensuring everyone is seen and heard clearly.
- Presentation Mode – Great for team updates and workshops, with automatic presenter tracking and subtle voice amplification. No fixed microphones are needed.
- Lectern Mode – Perfect for formal sessions, using a fixed camera and lectern microphone for a polished, professional experience.
To further support dynamic sessions, two handheld microphones have been added. These empower audience participation and enable smooth transitions between multiple presenters in both Presentation and Lectern modes.
Behind the scenes, a dual camera system ensures no one is left out and a sleek, user-friendly controller makes switching between modes effortless.
The result? A once-avoided room is now a staff favourite
Room 9.7 is now booked over 70% of the time, used for everything from board-style meetings and remote workshops to team briefings and formal events. What was once seen as a frustrating space is now TEC’s go to for seamless hybrid collaboration.
The TwentyTwo difference
Where others saw a teardown, we saw an opportunity. By working with what TEC already had and designing around their needs, we delivered a high-performing, hybrid-ready solution that just works, no complexity, no stress.
