Almost every element of interior design affects group workflow. Environmental psychologists study how design influences mood and suggest that a better mood leads to greater engagement. Lighting, furniture, temperature—it all comes together to create a space that will either drive or hinder participation.
In order to get the most out of your collaboration goals, you need to factor in design. Learn how to pick a gathering space that will support the mood, focus, and productivity of your team.
Four ways interior design boosts productivity
Whether you're redesigning your workplace or choosing the right venue for a company event, thoughtful interior design is a must. Here are four ways interior design is giving our small Cincinnati event space big creative potential.
1. Supporting social needs and boundaries
Everyone is unique, and people have different needs when it comes to feeling comfortable in social or work settings. Accessibility and respect go a long way in fostering authentic and inspired engagement. Some people like to riff ideas on the fly. Others need time to process and reflect.
Well-designed spaces will offer a range of support for various preferences and needs. This could include comfortable group seating, private alcoves, and nooks for one-on-one conversations, with equal access to all.
2. Boosting creativity
Creativity can be hindered by negative emotions like stress. So, any design element that encourages a sense of wellness and optimism will support creativity. You're also supporting people's unique creative flows when you give them different types of spaces to work in.
In order to keep people engaged, you want a space that is stimulating but not cluttered. Interior design should activate all five senses. Visual elements, in particular, can help inspire creativity. Think interesting textures, beautiful views, artwork, and plants.
3. Improving mood
Mood can play a significant role in the quality and quantity of engagement and productivity. A good mood increases creative thinking, while a bad mood may reduce cognitive performance.
Of course, not everything about a person's mood comes down to the physical space they occupy. But the right design choices can help boost morale and, in turn, help a team get the most out of its time together.
Design elements like color and lighting are well-known to influence a person's sense of well-being. Unique furnishings, original features, rich character, and attention to detail have an almost subconscious positive effect on people's moods. And, of course, research shows that adding live plants to space can help people feel more alert and less stressed.
4. Increasing overall wellness
A lot goes into wellness. It's a practice of habits that support a person's overall well-being, from their mental health to their physical health. Interior design impacts mental health and wellness through layout, lighting, comfort, convenience, and beyond.
When you're looking at meeting spaces in Cincinnati, you want to consider whether or not it can support your team's overall wellness. Is there an accessible kitchen or places nearby to grab lunch? Will people feel comfortable in the furniture provided? Does the space provide accessible seating to accommodate varying needs?
Beyond the interior design, think about whether a space will support your group not only during work but during breaks as well. You want a meeting space that will make it easy to take breaks, either on the property or elsewhere. Event spaces in walkable neighborhoods will inspire people to step outside for a while. Spending time outdoors comes with benefits, like increased creativity.
When choosing a venue, make sure you consider the group's overall experience. When people feel comfortable, supported, and inspired, they'll be more engaged. It's a win-win.
Comments