We are often asked about the process we use to create a proposed office design, and in many cases, we respond by referencing the brief supplied by the client, but increasingly, we are witnessing the adoption of an evidence-based office design approach.
What is evidence-based office design?
Essentially, evidence-based office design collects qualitative and quantitative data from a client’s workplace through a variety of means including, time utilisation studies, observational studies, staff surveys, workshops and interviews. This data is then used by the office design team who analyse and interpret it before using it to create a space plan and office design that reflects the needs and desires of the client.
How do office designers use the ‘evidence’?
The data provided will highlight where staff spend their time within the workplace, what teams and individuals interact and work closely with each other and also what people like and dislike about their current space.
Consequently, this will inform the design team on what spaces need to be included in the new space. For example, does the business need as many meeting rooms or would a selection of breakout spaces with sofas and/or bench seating where people can chat or collaborate, work better?
It can also show how long staff spend working at their desk and where they tend to spend the rest of their time, and in some instances, can highlight the need for quiet zones or rooms where people can concentrate or hot desking areas for staff who aren’t always in the office.