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Technology, Space and Furniture Working Together
To ensure your space promotes collaboration, is optimized for how you work, and stays beautiful, AV Technology solutions should be a part of an integrated plan from the beginning.
A growing need for collaborative workspaces in today’s work environments has resulted in a need to change office spaces to accommodate this shift. If your people are constantly working and collaborating together, going through multiple iteration processes, their spaces need to support them and how they work.
Rob Newell, our Chief Technology Officer, states “Technology makes the workplace relevant again, and overall empowers a better experience.” Leading companies are aware of this change and are adapting their office environments to support their employees. Spaces are remodeled, new paint is applied, and new furniture brought in – but what about the technology employees need? Technology is often an afterthought and AV teams are not usually included until late in the design process. This presents many challenges when it comes time to install the technology: it’s often mounted in odd places, sight lines can’t always be kept clear, and sometimes even brand-new furniture must be cut to accommodate cables and wires! These issues can be mitigated long before execution in the design phase when AV technology partners are included.
See how technology, architecture and furniture all came together in creating the Meadowland Chamber Headquarters’ new and dynamic Business Hub
A study called the “Exceptional Experience” conducted by AVIXA in 2015 determined that blending technology, content and space is what contributes to the best kind of modern workplace. New AV technology and office furniture design partnerships have been one outcome of this study.
BEGIN WITH THE END GOAL
Designs for both technology and furniture focus on the same result – creating a flawless user experience that truly supports how people work. Fit, form and function are all elements of designing a beautiful space. With this in mind, AV professionals have developed new partnerships in an effort to best support their clients’ goals.
“I joined dancker because of the opportunity to change how things have always been done. I see the benefit we bring to clients by providing solutions where space, furnishings, and technology are all designed together.”, explains George Meglio, our Director of Workplace Technology.
TRUST PROVEN METHODOLOGIES
When integrating technology and furniture solutions, the best results are delivered when these three critical elements are part of the process: planning ahead, bringing in key players from the beginning, and being curious.
- When you start early and take time to not only understand the needed solutions but also flesh out the right results, projects stay on budget and on schedule, because there are fewer change orders that happen later down the line.
- Including key people – from decision makers to end users – ensures everyone has a voice, and the right problems are being solved for from the beginning. When issues are understood and solved for during the design stage, the overall project is more efficient.
- Once you have the right people in the room, asking questions helps you understand what is truly needed – instead of just looking at and providing the list of things you want. We’ll know what problems you’re trying to solve for, and will be better able to advise what solutions will best support your people in your new space.
Improving the user’s experience is a critical component and should be the driving factor of any project. When we understand your people, place and technology needs, we are better able to determine and advise which solutions will best support you and your people. Identification and understanding comes from both observing the current space and people, as well as reviewing and analyzing the data we can gather of how and where people work.
DEVELOP PARTNERSHIPS
Finding the right partner to deliver successful projects in this new world is essential.
“There is not a one-size-fits-all in the technology world,” George says. “Client needs guide us to the proper solutions, and then to the best-in-class vendors to provide these services. Our partner criteria includes companies with qualified design teams, effective deployment, and day two support services.”
A groundbreaking partnership in the industry, Steelcase + Microsoft joined together to design, develop and produce new innovative solutions that blend technology and furniture seamlessly. “These two have taken the lead in designing furniture and technology solutions that meet the needs of the modern workplace while driving a higher return on their investments.”, states George.
Steelcase and Microsoft teamed together to optimize the Surface Hub 2, and also developed Steelcase Roam to provide teams with the ability to collaborate just about everywhere. It’s a system of mobile stands and easy-to-hang wall mounts specifically designed for the Surface Hub 2S.
Steelcase and Microsoft designed the Flex Collection for teams that need their spaces to be as flexible as they are as they collaborate on a variety of projects.
In regards to partnerships, George points out that, “It’s no longer a nice to have; it’s becoming a must-have.”
WHAT DOES THE FUTURE LOOK LIKE?
It’s not a cubicle, nor is it an office. It’s an experience, a culture with a shared sense of purpose. The workplace of the future empowers, inspires and helps people unleash their potential so they can do their best work by collaborating, communicating and solving problems. Modern spaces need to be agile and flexible, and fully integrate technology, architectural solutions and furniture to spur productivity and deepen human engagement.
Curious how dancker can help you combine architectural, technology and furniture solutions for a flawless project? Contact us and a specialist will help you design a space that will truly support how your employees work.