When we start a new course, a new adventure, everything is idyllic. You have lots of ideas and you measure them in detail. Or so you try. If you are a designer, both by yourself or with more people you form an ideal design studio to work with. Colors, tables, computers… Everything has to be bright to look at. Thus, it will be the perfect workplace. As they say "If you work on your hobby you will never work." That's the idea.
Sometimes this doesn't happen the way we wanted. And it is not because we have not had good taste, quite the opposite. But when it comes to work, fcertain aspects are highlighted in our design study that would be important for the work dynamics. In Creativos we are going to put what aspects we can include in this list to achieve a better goal at work.
Flexible and quality seats
Perhaps after having put the best tables, the best walls and the last computers he cut into chairs. This may be a mistake. A stiff chair can feel like a trap. A feeling that encloses you and makes you uncomfortable. So mobility and space are important.
That could be as simple as encouraging employees to scroll through the studio. instead of assigning them a workspace, and some people respond very well to this: it keeps things from stagnating and creates more bonds within the team.
Very natural lighting
Not everyone can afford a large and spacious space. We know. But, within the possibilities, we must try to enlarge that space that we have. That is why creating an open space with clear light is important.
First of all, try to get as much natural light as possible. It should be accompanied by the study of clear tones, which encourages that naturalness. If such natural lighting is not possible, it is convenient to invest a little more money in artificial light. Of higher quality LED, not only because of the low consumption, but also because of how it affects the lighting.
Show the progress of all study members
Many design agencies advocate throwing ideas on the wall. Not just for presentations and creative review meetings, but to invite ongoing constructive feedback from everyone in the studio, not just those working on the project.
Alternatively, invest in some dedicated work-in-progress spaces. Depending on the look of your studio, options might include a giant cork board with push pins, a metal board with magnets, or something more unusual like a cloth and velcro combo, or even string with miniature pegs. Whatever suits you.
A giant common table: Basic
To create a creative and collaborative atmosphere, we must enhance the figure of a common table for all members. It's not about how much bigger the better, it's about enough dimensions for everyone to be integrated if required. Depending on the size of the studio and the people, a table in the middle of it could be very useful. This builds trust and attachment for others. Thus, common ideas can be maintained and projects that are weakening can be reinforced.
In the case of being able to pay, we could add a table made to measure. Far from any conventional form, and if it is a design made by the same team, the better.
Simple as that, a coffee pot
For many design agencies, having a shared kitchen, maybe even a bar, can be invaluable.. Cooking, eating and drinking together is a great way for teams to bond beyond the demands of the latest project.
Smaller studios may not have the space or money to install a full-blown kitchen, of course. But investing in a decent quality shared espresso machine for the team, for example, can go a long way. A differentiating change from the typical soda machine, which seems more like a search for financing than a place to breathe and share.