What the future of commercial spaces means for technology leaders

Opinions expressed by Digital Journal contributors are their own.

Integrated technology strategies make workplaces more adaptable for organizations and those they serve.

The commercial landscape is changing beyond design and style preferences, and toward how today’s workforce collaborates. Hybrid and autonomous work have become standard and with it comes dynamic needs that workplace design must meet. Add the evolving technology and security requirements organizations face, and projects get more complex. 

For organizations to adapt to the marketplace, workforce and technology, investments in infrastructure must be strategic. Technology leaders need to be involved at the beginning phases of the project, not when it’s time to rough in. 

Understanding user needs elevates collaboration and discovery in the planning process

No matter how beautiful, functional or cutting-edge a space may appear, you can’t leave out usability. Planning teams must reach beyond standards and best practices for specific industries to understand the status quo and discover opportunities. How a space is used, or even better, not used, tells an important story that everyone involved in a project must understand.

Bring the key players into the fold of a new project as soon as the scope and schedule have been identified. Invite individuals with both leadership and field exposure in IT, facilities, architecture and construction teams. Coordinating this can be a challenge, but dancker is an industry resource that helps organizations align technology, furniture and construction into a cohesive workplace strategy rather than treating each separately.

The industry must blend safety, compliance and sanitary standards with patient care when they embark on a project. By bringing everyone together to understand the project scope and the clients’ needs, projects run smoother and are more successful. 

Go on a listening and learning tour with key representatives from all project areas. Observe how people work, what issues they share, and those that they don’t. When you’re building out integrated interior solutions, you’re blending usability, customer experience and long-term relevance. 

Challenges can be managed early when your planning team is involved in the discovery phase of this type of project. Build in time for multiple visits to observe real scenarios and speak with employees at all levels. You’ll uncover opportunities and issues that you’d never understand as an outsider.

Smart system integration amplifies space utilization and user capabilities

When a commercial space is designed well, every technology interaction feels effortless. Gone are the days when tech is tacked on today, it’s infused into the heartbeat of a facility.

Traditional conference rooms serve their purpose, but they don’t always facilitate the most collaborative and creative discussions. Blend technology with the ways people naturally work by rethinking collaboration and meeting spaces. 

Teams work across locations and industries, but they still benefit from in-person communication and connection. When that’s not possible, smart system integrations like video conferencing technology can replicate the environment of being together.

One dynamic and attractive approach is to outfit a collaborative space that’s more comfortable yet technology-focused. Here, your interior designer, furnishings expert, and technology leader will collaborate on every detail. From lighting that serves in-person attendees while appropriately illuminating technology assets, every design decision matters. 

Video conferencing technology can scan the space, connect to digital whiteboards and keep remote attendees engaged. Electricians can assess the energy load a fully outfitted space like this might need and identify capacity issues early. Interiors experts can offer insight on material durability, colorways that work on camera and the impact materials have on sound quality.

Incorporate workspace improvements that convey to your employees and customers. Sound management solutions can reduce distractions, support focused work and protect privacy. In an office, this is especially helpful in open plan designs and in spaces where discretion is essential.

Building for growth, pivots, and possibilities makes spaces more adaptable and boosts longevity

Clients rethinking their workspace are making a major investment in their future, and growth-friendly designs improve adaptability and longevity. An organization poised for growth will need to plan their space with flexibility built into the blueprint. 

A space currently serving as a conference room may later be transformed into office spaces or removed altogether. By constructing the room’s walls with removable panels, your client now has the option to rethink their layout. 

In an adaptable design, wiring and network connectivity are planned for, so panel removal eliminates an otherwise disruptive project. Primary connections are installed in stationary walls or even the floor, making changes easy when your clients’ business demands it. 

Coordinating network infrastructure ensures that devices are powered, information security is paramount and space is optimized. This is especially helpful as the presence of connected devices continues to increase. In a well-planned workplace, connectivity is strong and infrastructure allows technology to function reliably. 

Digital signage and content delivery create opportunities for technology to serve, motivate and empower its recipient. Customer-facing signage ensures they’re directed to the right space while internal signage reinforces team goals and delivers time-sensitive messaging. With signage capabilities built in, your office has a command center to keep projects on track and customer service on-brand.

Blend the art and science of workplace design in your next commercial project

A commercial space is much more than its materials, the design is influential to the outcomes its inhabitants can produce. By aligning technology, furniture and construction into a cohesive strategy, your next commercial project can help your clients adapt to the modern workforce, foster innovation and prepare for the future.