The 10 Most Important Elements Of Successful Office Design

Designing the perfect office workspace requires adherence to several key elements that contribute to its overall success. Depending on your particular amount of square footage, corporate brand aesthetics and culture, these elements may require some rebalancing in order to achieve the correct mix that is perfect for your particular business. 

If you’re thinking of designing the perfect office space, or plan on remodeling an existing one, you’ll definitely want to become accustomed with these particular elements so that you can be sure you’re implementing all of them. Doing so will allow you to craft a workspace that is as efficient as it is beautiful and inviting. 

10) OFFICE LAYOUT

Efficient workspace planning involves a thoughtful allocation of the various areas of your workspace based on their purpose and importance. Make sure to take this into account before moving forward with any of the following elements, or you may run the risk of complications arising later on. To be sure you’re planning correctly, consider the specific requirements of your business, and create particular zones custom-tailored to handle different functions. This could take the form of front desk customer service, product displays, team workstations, server rooms and storage. Remember how imperative it is to optimize foot traffic in order to get the most out of your new layout.

9) USER EXPERIENCE

Typically, we associate the term “user experience” with digital creations like websites and mobile apps. However, it’s just as relevant in the physical realm as well. Ultimately, successful commercial interior design must strive to provide a positive user experience at all times. Consider the needs, preferences and behaviors of your employees before any other, as their productivity depends heavily on their level of engagement. The workplace shouldn’t just have efficiency in mind, but should also strike a balance alongside comfort so that employees can recharge and stay motivated all day long.

8) FUNCTIONALITY

A well-designed office should prioritize functionality and efficiency above all else. However, take heed not to overlook the creature comforts and leisure areas, either. Ideally, the layout and arrangement of your workspace should support the activities and operations of the business in the most streamlined manner possible. Consider factors such as foot traffic, accessibility, zoning of different areas, and the overall workflow as you determine how best to leverage your particular space to achieve maximum productivity. Don’t just designate different areas for different functions or departments, but rather, consider how best they can be laid out in relation to one another so as to cut down on wasted time.

7) BRAND IDENTITY

Your new office should align with your company’s brand and overall aesthetic identity, not to mention your work mantra. That means reflecting the company’s values and culture, as well as the target market. Branding consistency plays a huge role here by helping to establish a sense of familiarity with the company at every turn. Employees in particular have reported much greater work satisfaction when they feel like they are part of a company with a cohesive brand structure. Your brand’s colours, logos, and materials can help reinforce that link, which will trickle down to your customer base.

6) COLOUR PALLETTE

The use of colour in a workspace can have a significant psychological impact on both employees and customers by influencing emotions, perceptions, and behavioral patterns. Therefore, your colour palette should be carefully selected to create a desired atmosphere, and evoke the desired response. Understanding the psychology of colour is a great way to figure out how to implement it correctly in your office. When in doubt, always contact office design specialists such as we here at Sensyst, so we can analyze your brand identity colours, and utilize them in the correct amounts to bring luster and vibrance to your space. 

5) MATERIALS & FINISHES

Many companies tend to forget the importance of material and finish choices when designing or updating their workspaces. These can impact the overall look, feel and durability of the workspace in rather significant ways. Aesthetics are just one part of the equation, but don’t forget upfront costs, functionality, ease of maintenance, and sustainability as well. It may be wise to skip on certain materials in favor of alternatives that can ease the pocketbook, and still create the same effect. Always make sure to select materials that align with the brand image and intended atmosphere of the overall workspace.

4) LIGHTING

Few elements  play such a crucial role when it comes to setting the mood, enhancing visibility, and highlighting key areas as proper use of lighting. A well-designed lighting scheme should provide appropriate levels of illumination for different activities, while creating a welcoming ambiance, and drawing attention to specific focal points. These days, natural light pouring through the windows is a great way to boost employee morale and well-being, while adding a layer of vibrance to your office. If that’s not an option, consider installing LED lighting, which is less costly, and a far better alternative to traditional fluorescent lighting.

3) ACOUSTICS

Sound control is crucial for functional office interiors, and is another element that many companies tend to overlook. Pushing for proper acoustic design can reduce noise distractions, improve communication between workers, and create a more pleasant and less stressful environment for everyone. Some office spaces are designed with sound dampening in mind, while others may require a do-it-yourself solution. When in doubt, consider installing acoustic panels or other sound-absorbing materials to cancel the noise. Strategic placement of office furniture and carpeting can also go a long way towards quieting the environment.

2) SUSTAINABILITY

These days, businesses are quite active when it comes to prioritizing sustainable design practices. You can participate by incorporating eco-friendly materials, energy-efficient lighting systems, efficient HVAC systems, and water-saving fixtures that can not only reduce environmental impact, but also improve operational costs and appeal to environmentally conscious customers. Plus, it will help attract the newest generation of workers who take environmental sustainability very seriously. 

1) OFFICE FURNITURE

Choosing the right office furniture is an important step when it comes to finishing up your new space, and all choices should align with its functional needs, while complementing the overall design aesthetic. Always consider factors such as comfort, durability, versatility, and adaptability, as well as proper layout, which should promote comfortable seating, ergonomic workstations, and an intuitive arrangement that enhances user experience. Office furniture doesn’t have to cost a small fortune to attain these lofty goals; merely a keen eye for harmonious styles, a contemporary feel, and of course, comfort that can last through the workday, and beyond.

CONCLUSION

How you implement each of the above elements into your workspace will be up to you, and no two companies will approach the process from the same angle. However, if you’re still unsure about how to proceed, we recommend contacting the experts. Here at Sensyst, we know how to properly balance all ten of the aforementioned elements when it comes to creating the most beautiful and functional workspaces in the business. 

Contact us today so we can learn more about your company, and what kind of an office design is brewing inside your imagination!