In 1968, the Herman Miller Company introduced "Action Office," the world's first modular office system or, as it's come to be known, the cubicle.
Below: This is the first commercial cubicle installation, 1969
Believe it or not, Robert Propst, inventor of the cubicle, intended it to bring a sense of respect to the individual worker, creating privacy and offering protection from the indignities -- not to mention the constant glare of the boss -- that the bullpen office configuration imposed on the worker.
As a result, cubicles were a hard sell when first introduced. Today, they account for 60% to 70% of the office furniture market.
Sources: AZ Central, Time and Ambience Dore