Essay

It Isn't What It Used to Be

I discovered a site that has a thought-provoking section on workplace by design. Read this introductory quote to get you thinking about workplace design and what principles you use to create healthy and productive work environments.

The workplace today is a result of historical innovations that were designed to make the workplace a productive environment. However the world of work continues to change, and the design factors that once were helpful are adding less value than they once did. (1)

Today, workplaces must answer to a wide range of needs using various new technologies and design principles that not only foster productivity — but also creativity. In addition, workers want to work in healthy, stress-free environments that promote everything from spaces for focus to spaces for social interaction. Work environments need to meet a multitude of needs at once, and that is why workplace “by design” is so important.

With all the hours you spend working, I’m sure that you can appreciate the result of good workplace design. When creating such spaces for clients, it is important to go beyond the typical layouts and schemes to try to tap into the culture of a business.

Pattern, Principle, and Experience Design

Again, the site where I found the above quote delineates certain characteristics, patterns and principles that go into workplace design.

Here is the link: Workplace Design

By understanding things like working patterns, layout principles, psychological principles and work experience design — you better equip your occupants to use their work space(s) effectively. Better yet, you foster meaningful work environment “relationships” — yes, by design.

With design you impact not only how well an individual or team “works”, you also impact the success of a business’ identity, operation and growth. The key is to tap into the significant relationships that define a business’ culture — as it grows and evolves.

(1) Workplace Design. ChangingMinds.org.

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