Process
First Meeting
- Your group will receive some different empty floor plans to consider.
- The architect will speak to the group about the space, and show you some of the artists' renderings of the spaces. The architect will discuss some principles to be aware of -- ergonomics, ADA compliance, etc.
- Your group will discuss what the architect has presented and you may ask questions if necessary.
- Browse Smashing Magazine's Creative Workplaces and familiarize yourself with the links on the Resources page. Once you have an idea what you're looking for, use Google to find other relevant blogs, articles, and photos.
- Visit some places you enjoy being, and try to determine what you like about being there. Is it the atmosphere? The light? Make notes of your thoughts, and sketch any features or designs you are drawn to. If appropriate, take photos with a digital camera or phone.
- Using a floor plan layout tool, begin to explore some layouts. These will not be final.
- Discuss with your group what elements you would like to see in the finished product. Collect them and as you find your group deciding against ideas, note the reasons. Also, note the reasons you chose to keep certain aspects.
- Read Office Design: How to Build a Better Office and 60 Seconds to a Better Office Space Design.
- Using Apple's Pages software, begin your report. Be sure to back up your decisions (for and against various features) with reasons.
- Create your floor plan layouts using software such as OmniGraffle. Use the 14-day free trial to accomplish this task. Complete training and just-in-time support can be found on the lynda.com Online Training Library. When you are satisfied with the designs, save them as a PDF file in 11x17 format.
- Prepare your presentation in Apple's Keynote software. Set the slides to 1920x1080 resolution.
- Read How To Give A Great Presentation.
- Finish your written report.
- Have at least two group members practice and give the presentation. More than one person should be familiar and comfortable with the presentation in case a presenter is ill or unable to attend the final presentation.
- Ensure that your presentation, written report, and floor plan are all created as PDF files to distribute to the Executives' iPads.
