Spatial Experience Design (SXD)
Explore the future of built environments through the lens of Spatial Experience Design (SXD). Each episode dives into how technology, human insight, and user design intersect to shape workplaces, venues, and public spacesโmaking them more engaging, efficient, and meaningful. Join us as we uncover ideas that redefine how people connect with the spaces around them.
Stop Losing Attendees in the Chaos: Smarter Paths Through the Event Floor

In the latest episode of Spatial Experience Design, MapsPeopleโs Sรธren Vasรธ sits down with Johnny Sloan, SVP at Leap, to talk about what happens when events stop being static and start getting smart. Together, they explore what it takes to transform a high-density, high-stakes environmentโlike a comic con or fandom expoโinto a thoughtfully designed journey that balances personalization with crowd flow, vendor needs, and real-world logistics. Their conversation touches on the friction points that event organizers are trying to solve, from helping attendees navigate chaotic venues, to using AI and data to surface the right content...
Spatial MCPs: The Secret Weapon for Building Experiences in 2025

In this episode of Spatial Experience Design, MapsPeopleโs CPTO Christian Christensen joins host Sรธren Vasรธ to unpack the rising role of spatial MCPsโModel Context Protocols that enable AI to understand tools, data, and context without custom code. From finding a quiet spot at a convention center to answering, โWill I make my flight?โ, this conversation explores how MCPs simplify complex logic behind the scenes and create smarter, more human interactions. Whether you're building workplace apps, digital concierges, or spatially aware assistants, this episode makes the case for MCP as AIโs new favorite format.
Key Topic...
What's Missing From Your Airport Map?

In this episode of Spatial Experience Design, MapsPeople Solutions Engineer Brynley Herbert joins host Sรธren Vasรธ to explore what todayโs airport maps should be doingโand why most of them fall short. From live wait times at security to adaptive wayfinding for janitors, travelers, and accessibility needs, this conversation unpacks how responsive maps are improving the airport experience. Weโre talking 3D storefronts, rideshare overlays, and staff-specific routingโall powered by shared infrastructure and smart data. Whether youโre running an airport, designing tech for travelers, or just wondering why an airport terminal always feels like a maze, this e...
How IPS Solves the โFrictionโ Problem at Major Events

In this episode of Spatial Experience Design, host Sรธren Vasรธ sits down with Crowd Connectedโs CEO, James Cobb, to unpack how indoor positioning systems (IPS) are transforming navigation at large-scale events. They dive into the hidden friction between key attendee momentsโlost time, missed meetings, inefficient crowd flowโand how IPS helps remove it. From real-time wayfinding to dynamic messaging and movement analytics, the conversation explores what it takes to support truly personalized journeys in complex, high-density environments. Along the way, they touch on event ROI, attendee expectations, and how knowing โwhere people areโ unlocks value for both visitor...
AI Built This in 5 Minutes: Maps, Chatbots, and Whatโs Possible Now

In this episode of Spatial Experience Design, in-house Senior Solutions Engineer Geoff Wakefield sits down with host Sรธren Vasรธ to explore how AI is removing technical barriers and unlocking faster experimentation. It's now quicker and easier than ever to turn creative spatial ideas into working experiences. Instead of static presentations, working prototypes can now be created in minutes using map data, SDK docs, and just a few smart prompts. We're talking chatbots that tell you where the nearest restroom is, real-time alerts that factor in transit time, and location-aware prompts that speak your language (literally). This is a de...
Your Office Might Be Killing Your Best Ideas

David Dewane, CXO at Geniant, joins this episode of Spatial Experience Design to unpack why most modern offices aren't workingโand what to do about it. David and host Sรธren Vasรธ explore how workplaces can either support or sabotage creativity, focus, and momentum. Drawing from real-world examples like recording studios, law firms, and even the Wright brothers' beach workshop, they highlight how purpose-driven environments outperform polished but generic ones. Thoughtful systems and integrated technology reduce friction and support people in the way they need to achieve peak performance. From employee satisfaction to deep focus and creative flow, this epis...
How Instant Screen Control Solves 3 Critical Venue Issues

In this episode of ๐ฆ๐ฝ๐ฎ๐๐ถ๐ฎ๐น ๐๐ ๐ฝ๐ฒ๐ฟ๐ถ๐ฒ๐ป๐ฐ๐ฒ ๐๐ฒ๐๐ถ๐ด๐ป, host Sรธren Vasรธ speaks with BIG Digitalโs Jordan Lampert to explore how kiosks are reshaping the experience at large events. They unpack what it takes to design screen content that adapts in real timeโbased on crowd flow, timing, and intentโand how that flexibility supports everything from fan engagement to emergency messaging. The conversation spans use cases across stadiums, golf courses, healthcare, and retail, touching on analytics, mobile-optional access, and the growing role of AI in personalizing the visitor experience.
๐๐ฒ๐ ๐ง๐ผ๐ฝ๐ถ๐ฐ๐:
Smart kiosk design
Kiosks in sports, retail, healthcare, and golf
Adaptive content and placement
AI-driven personalization
Emergency messaging and safet...
67% of Mall Shoppers Prefer THIS Experience

๐ฆ๐ฝ๐ฎ๐๐ถ๐ฎ๐น ๐๐
๐ฝ๐ฒ๐ฟ๐ถ๐ฒ๐ป๐ฐ๐ฒ ๐๐ฒ๐๐ถ๐ด๐ป - ๐๐ฝ๐ถ๐๐ผ๐ฑ๐ฒ ๐ญ๐ณ
In this episode of Spatial Experience Design, host Sรธren Vasรธ speaks with Jakub Otcenas, co-founder of AnyLane, to explore what makes a smart kiosk actually usefulโboth for shoppers and for mall operators. They dig into real-world behavior data, common pain points in navigation, and how smarter search systems can boost both experience and revenue. From search patterns and route heatmaps to category-based discovery and missed purchase opportunities, this conversation unpacks how modern kiosks are being redesigned as interactive toolsโnot static screens. If you're thinking about physical experience, digital wayfinding, or visitor behavior, this episode offers a sharp look at how the best systems are evolving to meet rising expectations.
Key Topics...
Live Demo: Gemini AI That Understands Spatial Data Like Never Before

๐ฆ๐ฝ๐ฎ๐๐ถ๐ฎ๐น ๐๐ ๐ฝ๐ฒ๐ฟ๐ถ๐ฒ๐ป๐ฐ๐ฒ ๐๐ฒ๐๐ถ๐ด๐ป - ๐๐ฝ๐ถ๐๐ผ๐ฑ๐ฒ ๐ญ๐ฒ
In this episode of Spatial Experience Design, host Sรธren Vasรธ is joined by Christian Christensen, Chief Product & Technology Officer at MapsPeople, for a hands-on look at how AI can be applied to real-world spatial data. Using Gemini Flash 2.0 and a live MapsIndoors prototype, they explore how AI understands context, responds to open-ended queries, and adapts across different environments without structured inputs. From booking meeting rooms to locating vegan lunch options, the demo reveals practical, scalable use cases that go far beyond basic search. Whether you're in workplace strategy, product design, or just AI-curious, this conversation breaks down whatโs actually possible todayโand what to watch next.
Key Topics:
AI demoGem...From Parking Stress to Smart Arrivals: How Thoughtful Tech Reclaims Wasted Time

๐ฆ๐ฝ๐ฎ๐๐ถ๐ฎ๐น ๐๐
๐ฝ๐ฒ๐ฟ๐ถ๐ฒ๐ป๐ฐ๐ฒ ๐๐ฒ๐๐ถ๐ด๐ป - ๐๐ฝ๐ถ๐๐ผ๐ฑ๐ฒ ๐ญ๐ฑ
Garret Flower, CEO of Wayleadr, joins podcast host Sรธren Vasรธ in this episode of Spatial Experience Design to unpack why parking continues to be a major point of friction in daily routinesโand what a better arrival experience could look like. The discussion explores how smarter parking systems reduce stress and help organizations make better use of their space. From digital access and occupancy data to carpooling incentives and future-ready planning, the episode highlights how thoughtful design at the point of arrival can improve how people feel and function throughout the rest of their day.
Key Topics:
Arrival ExperienceSpace Utilization DataWorkplace Mobility ToolsStress-Free Navigat...Universal Design Works for Everyone (Even If You Donโt Have Special Access Needs)

๐ฆ๐ฝ๐ฎ๐๐ถ๐ฎ๐น ๐๐ ๐ฝ๐ฒ๐ฟ๐ถ๐ฒ๐ป๐ฐ๐ฒ ๐๐ฒ๐๐ถ๐ด๐ป โ ๐๐ฝ๐ถ๐๐ผ๐ฑ๐ฒ ๐ญ๐ฐ
Robin Le Gal, Co-Founder of Ezymob, joins host Sรธren Vasรธ in this episode of ๐๐๐๐ก๐๐๐ ๐ธ๐ฅ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐ท๐๐ ๐๐๐ to explore how public environments can be designed for everyone. The conversation focuses on how accessibility-focused thinking leads to smarter movement and greater autonomy in spaces like transit hubs, campuses, and city streets. They discuss the role of data, the importance of universal design, and how context-aware tools can make navigation more intuitive for all users. From tactile wayfinding to real-time transit cues, this episode demonstrates why better design starts with understanding how people move through the world.
๐๐ฑ๐ฑ๐ถ๐๐ถ๐ผ๐ป๐ฎ๐น ๐ฅ๐ฒ๐๐ผ๐๐ฟ๐ฐ๐ฒ๐:
Connect with Robin Le Gal https://www.linkedin.com/in/robin-le-gal-1702b3159/ย
Connect with Sรธren Vasรธ https://www.linkedin.com/in/sorenvasoehansen/
Our YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/@MapsPeopleย
Spatial Experien
Donโt Build Another AppโCraft the Experience

๐ฆ๐ฝ๐ฎ๐๐ถ๐ฎ๐น ๐๐ ๐ฝ๐ฒ๐ฟ๐ถ๐ฒ๐ป๐ฐ๐ฒ ๐๐ฒ๐๐ถ๐ด๐ป โ ๐๐ฝ๐ถ๐๐ผ๐ฑ๐ฒ ๐ญ๐ฏ
In this episode of ๐๐๐๐ก๐๐๐ ๐ธ๐ฅ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐ท๐๐ ๐๐๐, host Sรธren Vasรธ and Rikke Knutzen, VP of Product at MapsPeople, share how experience-led design is reshaping digital environments across offices, stadiums, and retail. The conversation explores how spatial data, platform thinking, and behavioral insight help teams create products that scale and deliver real value. They discuss building platforms, how to design for both partners and end users, and why the best product decisions start with value, not features. From fan engagement to office optimization, this episode explores how to create scalable tools that elevate the final experienceโeven when your product lives in the background.
๐๐ฑ๐ฑ๐ถ๐๐ถ๐ผ๐ป๐ฎ๐น ๐ฅ๐ฒ๐๐ผ๐๐ฟ๐ฐ๐ฒ๐:
Connect with Rikke Knutzen https://www.linkedin.com/in/rikkeknutzen/
Connect with Sรธren Vasรธ https://www.linkedi
The Hidden Pattern Behind the 30% Office (+ How to Design for People, Not Policy)

In this episode of Spatial Experience Design, host Sรธren Vasรธ talks with Victor Souza, Head of Product at iotspot, about how real-time data is reshaping office design. They unpack why most offices sit at just 30% occupancy, how hybrid work has changed what employees need from the workplace, and the surprising things that drive people back (or keep them away). From meeting room congestion to air quality and smart nudges like โcommute-worthinessโ notifications, this conversation offers practical insights for HR teams, workplace strategists, and real estate decision-makers alike.
Key Topics:
Hidden costs of underused real estateHybrid work t...Ignoring Accessibility is Costing You More Than You Realize

Neil Barnfather from GoodMaps joins host Sรธren Vasรธ in this episode of Spatial Experience Design to discuss the future of accessibility in indoor navigation. We explore how advancements in computer vision, real-time guidance, and AI-driven mapping are reshaping how people with disabilities navigate complex spaces like airports, malls, and stadiums. The conversation dives into the upcoming European Accessibility Act, which mandates digital accessibility in mapping, and what this means for businesses. We also unpack the financial case for accessibility, highlighting why ignoring it could be costing venues more than they realize.
Key Topics:
Digital accessibility in...
The Secret Sauce for Happy Tenants (and Renewed Contracts)

๐ฆ๐ฝ๐ฎ๐๐ถ๐ฎ๐น ๐๐
๐ฝ๐ฒ๐ฟ๐ถ๐ฒ๐ป๐ฐ๐ฒ ๐๐ฒ๐๐ถ๐ด๐ป โ ๐๐ฝ๐ถ๐๐ผ๐ฑ๐ฒ ๐ญ๐ฌ
David Stegmann from Ask Nestor discusses 'happy buildings' with host Sรธren Vasรธ in this episode of ๐๐๐๐ก๐๐๐ ๐ธ๐ฅ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐ท๐๐ ๐๐๐. We explore how Ask Nestor focuses on creating environments where people love to live and work through technology integration, allowing them to deliver strategic hospitality, diverse services, and engaging events. The discussion highlights the importance of understanding client interactions, improving operational efficiency, and creating frictionless experiences. We also touch on broader trends like post-COVID workspace transformations, the role of AI in building management, and the economic drivers that push companies to innovate and optimize their spaces for better tenant satisfaction and retention.
๐๐ฒ๐ ๐ง๐ผ๐ฝ๐ถ๐ฐ๐:
Smart building technology for tenant retention
Adaptive office design for hybrid work
Integrated workplace management systems (IWMS...
Why Meeting Rooms Are Always Booked (But Half-Empty)

In this episode of Spatial Experience Design weโre joined by Elisa Feng from Butlr to take a deep dive into occupancy data. We discuss how meeting rooms can be both fully booked and underused, and how privacy-first data is reshaping workplace design. Butlrโs thermal sensors track how spaces are used in real life, without using cameras or capturing personal data. This helps companies rethink office layouts and simultaneously improve the employee experience.
5 No-Brainer Ways to Take Spatial Data Beyond Maps

๐ฆ๐ฝ๐ฎ๐๐ถ๐ฎ๐น ๐๐
๐ฝ๐ฒ๐ฟ๐ถ๐ฒ๐ป๐ฐ๐ฒ ๐๐ฒ๐๐ถ๐ด๐ป โ ๐๐ฝ๐ถ๐๐ผ๐ฑ๐ฒ ๐ด
In this episode of ๐๐๐๐ก๐๐๐ ๐ธ๐ฅ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐ท๐๐ ๐๐๐, Christian Christensen is back to discuss the evolving use of spatial and geo-referenced data beyond traditional maps. We highlight use cases like timing routes in airports, workplace utilization, and providing real-time information in venues without using visual maps. We talk about the importance of tailoring the way data is presented based on the user's device and context, whether that's through text, audio, or interactive platforms like AI. We explore how properly structured and integrated spatial data can enhance user experiences across different environments, such as offices, warehouses, or retail stores. We also consider the potential of generative AI to revolutionize how users interact with spatial data for decision-making, and imagine future advancements and unanticipated user-driven...
The AI Disruption: Spatial Design's Bold New Era

In this episode of ๐๐๐๐ก๐๐๐ ๐ธ๐ฅ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐ท๐๐ ๐๐๐, Christian Christensen is back to discuss the integration of AI in spatial experience design with host Sรธren Vasรธ.ย We focus on using georeferenced data to effectively manage physical spaces like offices and stadiums. Key topics include keeping digital buildings up to date, the application of AI for furniture arrangement, the integration of AI with search and navigation within buildings, and the future potential of AI in personalizing workspace experiences. The conversation also delves into predictive analytics for employee preferences and how spaces using AI can optimize operations.
Why Employees Stop Using Workplace SoftwareโAnd the Simple Fix

Allan Mรธrch, Founder & CEO of AskCody, joins us on this episode of Spatial Experience Design to discuss one of the biggest challenges in workplace software adoptionโwhy employees stop using it. Many organizations treat software implementation as a one-time fix, failing to account for employee turnover, evolving work environments, and the need for continuous engagement. Allan shares why adoption should be an "always-on" process and how companies can avoid the costly mistake of set-and-forget software. We dive into the impact of hybrid work on tech adoption, how behavioral design can drive better engagement, and why the future of wor...
8 Learnings From ISE 2025 About Smart Building Technology

In this special episode of the Spatial Experience Design podcast, host Sรธren Vasรธ shares insights from the Integrated Systems Europe (ISE) 2025 conference in Barcelona.ย
Key takeaways include the rise of smart buildings primarily focused on workplace environments, the increasing emphasis on creating better user experiences by lowering friction, and a push towards more integrated software ecosystems.ย
We cover trends including the shift to hybrid work environments, the evolving conversation on MicrosoftPlaces, the varying quality and application of workplace maps, and the pervasive -- but often unclear -- use of AI in workplace management solutions.
8 Fan Experiences stadiums CANNOT afford to miss out on

In this episode of Spatial Experience Design, we explore how technology is transforming the stadium journey. MapsPeople's own Christian Christensen and Sรธren Vasรธ discuss eight key use cases, from pre-game planning and smart ticketing to real-time navigation, food ordering, and post-game engagement. The discussion explores how AI, digital mapping, and location-aware systems create more intuitive and enjoyable experiences for fans while improving stadium operations. By integrating real-time data and user-friendly digital tools, venues can enhance engagement, increase convenience, and drive greater fan satisfaction.
๐๐ฒ๐ ๐ง๐ผ๐ฝ๐ถ๐ฐ๐:ย
Digital mapping for stadiumsย
AI-powered fan engagementย
Real-time navigation & wayfindingย
Smart ticketing & seating sele...
Why Invisible Software will Dominate the Workplace in 2025

Ciara Peter, SVP of Product at Robin, dives into the concept of invisible software and its transformative role in workplace management on this episode of Spatial Experience Design. From automating mundane tasks like meeting room booking to leveraging spatial data for smarter office planning, Ciara and Sรธren explore how integrated workflows and AI-driven solutions are reshaping employee and manager experiences. She also highlights challenges like privacy concerns, the impact on real estate decisions, and the evolution of tools for hybrid workspaces. Join the conversation to uncover how these innovations are paving the way for workplaces of the future.
From 2D to 4D: The Evolution of Indoor Mapping

In this episode of Spatial Experience Design, Brian Parks and Sรธren Vasรธ revisit the evolution of mapping technology, starting from static 2D CAD files to immersive 4D spatial experiences. They highlight the shift from administrative uses to user-centered applications in workplaces, stadiums, and retail spaces, emphasizing how aesthetics, accessibility, and interactivity have become central to digital building experiences. We explore the role of AI, mobile devices, and georeferenced data in shaping frictionless user experiences. They also explore the transformative potential of spatial intelligence in augmented and virtual reality, showcasing how digital maps are now platforms for dynamic, context-rich in...
What is Spatial Experience (and why is it happening now?)

In this first episode of Spatial Experience Design, host Sรธren Vaso and MapsPeople CEO Morten Brรธgger explore the intersection of rising user expectations and decreasing technology costs. Discover how advancements like AI, IoT, and spatial computing are reshaping experiences in workplaces, events, and beyond, as we approach a transformative inflection point.
Key Topics:
The convergence of rising expectations and affordable tech
From static maps to interactive 3D environments
AI and IoTโs role in personalized, real-time experiences
2025 as a pivotal moment for technology adoption
Real-time data, dynamic mapping, spatial comp...