Design for collaboration in the workplace

In 2012 and early 2013 MailChimp built a new design studio for their user experience, marketing, and DesignLab teams. It turns out, that redesigning their studio directly influenced their work on updating MailChimp. The new collaborative space actually helped them create more collaborative tools for their customers.

Check out their post

Collaboration by Design. Having reconfigurable tables and vertical spaces to share creative ideas is key. As is mixing people with disparate responsibilities and skills. Leaving open spaces for visitors and workers needing a temporary space is a great idea. Having soft seating and portable partitions provides breaks from the work surface and temporary “rooms” for creative meetings. Having convergence zones to bring people together from across your enterprise builds teamwork and goodwill. So have a nice break room or even game room. And be sure to read the article.

Links for products for your collaboration space

Here is a great mobile marker board/dividing panel. Here is a higher end marker board. For dividing panels here are some more options and these that match the first marker board.

Here are some slick mobile tables with flip tops for easy storage. Here is another mobile table option. See how these tables connect in a quick and easy manner.

And here are some mobile chairs with flip seats to match your tables. We really like these flip seat chairs with a mesh back.

Also, check out this collaborative and modular lounge seating. Or this one with high backs.

Maximize your creativity

While the overall design of your office is key so is what you do with your personal space. 6 Desk Tweaks To Change The Way You Work And Maximize Your Creativity points out that “The work you do and the office culture in which you do it are extremely important. But so too is the actual surface you work on. Here’s how thinking about your desk, its immediate environs, and your relationship to your workspace can help you become more creative.” It’s from the always informative Fast Company.

It points out six things you can do to maximize productivity and creativity while you are “stuck at your desk”. Here’s a quick overview. It affects your mood so do what you can to make it yours and enjoy being at it. Make it flexible so it can change with your work. Move around the office when you can to other work surfaces. If you work from home be sure to create boundaries. Have some small touches that make your work space uniquely yours. Most importantly leave your desk to refresh your body and your mind. Take short walks and get out of the office for lunch. It’s one way to avoid the sitting disease.

How to Optimize Your Environment for Creativity with The Perfect Temperature, Lighting and Noise levels from Buffer shows how your brain works when it is at its creative best. And recommends tactics to let it do so. A very interesting article. Having the proper lighting is crucial.

Links for products for your personal workspace

Check out this mounting option that lets you use your iPad as a second screen. And the same idea for your monitor and keyboard tray. They have the added benefit of letting you work at a standing height and adding years to your life. The Sitting Disease can kill you. We are not kidding about this. Also, don’t forget the importance of artwork in a collaboration workspace. Or a desk lamp. We love this super cool one.

Relevant research for your workspace

From Office Furniture USA:

10 Things to consider when buying an office chair

Add a splash of color to your office

From Knoll:

Generational Preferences: A Glimpse into the Future Office

Your workplace is changing (Infographic)

And most relevant to this post is New Research on Activity Spaces from Knoll

That’s it. Hopefully this has given you some food for thought when it comes to your next office redesign or move. Or even to make small changes to your current space in order to be more productive, efficient and happy.