The Perfect Web Design Studio | Brit Mansell :: Life's Influence on Design

category: Productivity

The Perfect Web Design Studio 0

Jun18

I have created a new category here on the blog called “The Perfect Studio”. Within this category I will be posting things that I feel will make for the most enjoyable and productive environment for a web design studio. This list will evolve over time.

Here are the initial items to add to the list:

Bakery – Yes, you read that right. I will have a part of the studio dedicated to a stove/oven strictly for the purpose of baking. It will be used daily, simply for the purpose of piping out the smell (and calories) from fresh baked bread and cookies. Those smells will put an end to even the worst “Case of the Mondays”.
Bright colors – The environment in which we work has a huge impact on our productivity and attitude toward coming into the office. “Bright colors” is simply a term I used to describe a well thought out interior design scheme. This includes the individual work spaces along with the common areas of the studio. Modern architecture is paramount for this industry. As web/media designers we are constantly pushing the boundaries of our technology and emotional platforms. Why should we be forced to work in an environment that does not do the same???
Windows – Not just for the one big corner office, but windows for everyone! Natural sunlight is a great aphrodisiac for productivity. They will also encourage you to get your work done so you can get out there and play.
Locker Room – Coming from a sports/Marine Corps background, I believe physical exercise plays a large role in the health and happiness in our every day lives. The ability to go for a short run around lunch time or ride your bike into work is something that otherwise wouldn’t be possible without a place to wash the stinky off.
Stairs – For whatever reason, stairs give off a feeling of excitement to me. Especially stairs that you can see through (spiral staircases, metal stairs, etc.). That may seem weird, but this is my post. I’ll be weird in it if I want to.
Expensive, Appropriate Hardware – Why would I use the word “expensive”? That could easily be substituted for “overpriced”. I say expensive because the staff needs to know that the ownership values them and their input into the studio’s projects. The ONLY asset to a design firm is its staff (well, and the portfolio created by the staff). Treat your staff well, they ARE the studio.
A TV – TV’s are distracting, but that’s kind of the point of having one in the office. One of the drawbacks of coming into the office to me is the feeling of being disconnected from the real world while I’m there. A TV in the common area playing CNN/Fox/Speed Channel helps to bridge the gap between reality and the distortion field within your workspace, thus creating a more enjoyable work environment.