Office Space

Originally written and posted by Lauren Myrick, on July 16, 2013.

Does your office/work space enhance your productivity?  Your mood?  How about your creativity?  If you cannot answer yes to at least one of these questions, it may be time for a change!

This week’s inspiration came from a fun article I found on work-spaces of notable figures.  It was quite interesting and motivated me to compile additional information about what makes a space yours and how can you be the most productive in that space.   (Apologies to those who may have thought the title of this week’s post was a reference to the 1999 movie with the same name!)

Before deciding to overhaul or organize your space, take a moment to answer a few questions:

• What are your goals this year?  Are they linked to creativity or productivity or both?  How can your area enhance your efforts?
• What have you tried in the past?  What’s worked, what hasn’t?
• Are you distracted easily?
• What do you spend most of your time on? (calls, emails, paperwork, etc.)
• Are you more visual, kinetic, or audio inclined?
• What kind of space to you want design for yourself?  Clean and orderly or welcoming and comfortable OR somewhere in between?

With the answers to these questions in mind, you can build your framework.  I have included a number of articles below with ideas for organization and inspiration.  While you may find many great ideas, it is important to keep in mind how the idea will apply to *you* in your current work environment… will it assist you and will it be functional?  Any ideas that don’t fit can always be applied to your home!
While scouring the internet for articles, the top 3 tricks/tips I liked best were:

1. Clear your desk – especially when beginning.  This action has many benefits:  providing you a clean slate, mentally clearing your mind, and giving you a sense of accomplishment (you can immediately see it).  You can always arrange specific items on your desk after the first swipe!
2. Decide how you will enter and exit your space.    Where will you put your bag, keys, other belongings? How do you want to leave your desk each day?  These are key things to consider when re-inventing your space.
3. Make yourself comfortable.  No matter how your space looks to others, you must be comfortable!  Additionally, if you try something new and after a month you don’t like it, try something else or go back to a previous set-up.  This is the fun of experimenting!

Last, If you get stuck or are having a hard time getting rid of something, ask 3 questions:

1.  Does it work?
2.  Do I like it?
3.  Does it work for others?

Using the momentum we've created here, the next article will focus on productivity tips and tricks!


Original article: http://designtaxi.com/news/359107/The-Inspiring-Workspaces-Of-Pablo-Picasso-Ray-Eames-Other-Famous-Creatives/


Ideas for office space organization and re-design: 
Organization:
http://www.simplyproductive.com/2013/04/tips-for-organizing-your-cubicle-office-space/
http://www.simplyproductive.com/2011/03/5-days-to-unclutter-the-top-of-your-desk/
http://www.businessweek.com/managing/content/jun2009/ca2009062_454286.htm


Redesign:
http://lifehacker.com/5987607/how-can-i-make-my-cubicle-more-comfortable-and-less-boring
http://www.simplecareerlife.com/2012/12/love-your-creative-space-8-uplifting.html
http://www.thedailymuse.com/health/style/small-space-big-style-upgrading-your-cubicle/