Challenge

I am the head of the creative team of a local magazine in Moscow. My task is to creatively identify  interesting reading topics. I work in my office and often invite my employees there. Unfortunately, my  workplace is not very comfortable. Employees are constantly cramped, there is little space for sheets or  laptops, and the ergonomics of the room are also impaired. I decided that it was worth applying design  thinking to optimize the workspace.

Selection

The first thing I did was turn to a visualization or visual thinking tool. I used this tool, made a list of  questions and tips, and involved my employees to think together how to solve the problem of space  optimization.

Application

I started the process by creating a graphical representation of the problem area. I used various  materials, for example, room plan, room specifications. I also conducted interviews with several  employees with whom I worked.

In general, I divided my employees into 3 groups of 3 people each. I asked them what they think about  the premises, whether it is convenient for them to work, what suits them and what does not suit them. I  digitized the results and entered into Google a form so that you could work with it.

Insight & Approach

After doing this exercise, I realized the problems of my office and tried to visualize what the office would  look like, taking into account the comments of my employees. I have highlighted comments that have  been shared by several employees. I began to realize that I needed to sketch several options for  workspace optimization solutions.

I attracted 2 of my most creative subordinates, and we began to create new solutions for my office.  First, we realized that my cabinet should not be square, but a round or oval table without straight or  sharp corners. Secondly, there should be shelves under the table so that you can transfer minor things  there and not fill the table itself. Thirdly, you need to buy smaller chairs so that they do not take up  more space. All these solutions would help to optimize the workspace.

