Short answer

Designers should actively explore and adapt the spatial typologies and user engagement strategies found in coworking environments to create more dynamic, collaborative, and user-focused traditional workplaces.

Field: User-Centred Design
Source: Archive of research processes and output produced by RCA (Royal College of Art) (2020)
Method: Mixed-methods research, including quantitative analysis of online data and qualitative design ethnography.
Evidence: Moderate effect

The spatial strategies and user-focused values inherent in coworking environments can inform the design of traditional corporate workplaces to foster greater creativity and collaboration. This user-centred design research insight is drawn from a 2020 study published in Archive of research processes and output produced by RCA (Royal College of Art). Using Mixed-methods research, including quantitative analysis of online data and qualitative design ethnography., researchers explored how this design variable affects real-world outcomes. The key design takeaway: Designers should actively explore and adapt the spatial typologies and user engagement strategies found in coworking environments to create more dynamic, collaborative, and user-focused traditional workplaces.

Study

User-Centred DesignHigh ImpactModerate effect

Coworking spaces offer transferable user-centric design strategies for traditional workplaces.

The spatial strategies and user-focused values inherent in coworking environments can inform the design of traditional corporate workplaces to foster greater creativity and collaboration.

Archive of research processes and output produced by RCA (Royal College of Art) · 2020

Key Findings

01Coworking spaces prioritize user experience and foster collaborative relationships through specific spatial strategies.
02There is a growing interest from corporate organizations in adopting coworking principles.
03New user-centered design tools can be developed for workplace brief-making and evaluation.

Application

Design takeaway

How to apply

When designing or redesigning office spaces, consider incorporating flexible zones, shared amenities, and design elements that encourage spontaneous interaction, drawing inspiration from successful coworking layouts.

Project actions

01When researching existing products or spaces, analyze their design features in relation to user needs and desired outcomes.
02Consider developing new tools or methods to better understand user interaction with designed environments.

Method & Evidence

AimHow can the spatial strategies and user-centric values of coworking environments be applied to enhance the design of traditional corporate workplaces?

MethodMixed-methods research, including quantitative analysis of online data and qualitative design ethnography.

ProcedureThe research involved quantitative analysis of 100 coworking home pages and 73 floor plans. Qualitative data was gathered through design ethnography at three sites: two coworking spaces (Impact Hub Birmingham, Second Home London) and one commercial workplace (Sony PlayStation London). New user-centered design tools for brief-making and evaluation were developed and applied.

ContextWorkplace design, coworking spaces, corporate environments.

Variables

IVSpatial design strategies of coworking spaces.

DVUser behavior, creativity, collaboration, user experience.

CVType of workplace (coworking vs. corporate), specific design features, user demographics (potentially).

Strengths & Limitations

Strengths

+Combines quantitative and qualitative research methods for a comprehensive understanding.
+Develops and applies novel user-centered design tools.

Limitations

The specific context of coworking might not directly translate to all workplace types without adaptation.

Reliability & validity

The use of multiple case studies and mixed methods enhances the reliability and validity of the findings. However, the specific context of each site may limit generalizability.

Think critically

To what extent can the unique culture and self-selection of users in coworking spaces be replicated in a mandatory corporate environment?

Design Principles

"Prioritize user experience and foster collaborative relationships through adaptable and community-oriented spatial design."

As organizations increasingly seek to emulate the innovative and community-driven aspects of coworking, understanding how these spaces are designed and how users interact within them is crucial. This research provides actionable insights for adapting workplace design to better support user experience and collaborative relationships.

What This Means for Your Design

Coworking spaces are designed to make people feel good and work together. This study shows that regular offices can learn from these spaces to become more creative and collaborative.

How to use in your project

1.Use this research to justify the exploration of alternative design typologies for your project, especially if aiming for innovation or improved user experience.

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Quick Cite

Paragraph starter

This research highlights the potential for coworking typologies to inform traditional workplace design. By analyzing the spatial strategies and user-centric values of coworking, designers can develop environments that foster greater creativity and collaboration, moving beyond conventional office layouts to prioritize user experience and community building.

Source

Archive of research processes and output produced by RCA (Royal College of Art)

Experience unbound : the effects of coworking on workplace design practice

journal · 2020

View source

Questions About This Research

What does the research say about coworking spaces offer transferable user-centric design strategies for traditional workplaces?: Designers should actively explore and adapt the spatial typologies and user engagement strategies found in coworking environments to create more dynamic, collaborative, and user-focused traditional workplaces. Evidence: Archive of research processes and output produced by RCA (Royal College of Art) (2020).
Why does "Coworking spaces offer transferable user-centric design strategies for traditional workplaces." matter for design?: As organizations increasingly seek to emulate the innovative and community-driven aspects of coworking, understanding how these spaces are designed and how users interact within them is crucial. This research provides actionable insights for adapting workplace design to better support user experience and collaborative relationships.
How can designers apply this research?: Designers should actively explore and adapt the spatial typologies and user engagement strategies found in coworking environments to create more dynamic, collaborative, and user-focused traditional workplaces.
What were the main findings?: Coworking spaces prioritize user experience and foster collaborative relationships through specific spatial strategies.. There is a growing interest from corporate organizations in adopting coworking principles.. New user-centered design tools can be developed for workplace brief-making and evaluation.
What research method was used?: Mixed-methods research, including quantitative analysis of online data and qualitative design ethnography..
How strong is the evidence?: Evidence strength is rated Moderate effect, based on a 2020 journal from Archive of research processes and output produced by RCA (Royal College of Art).
What should I do differently in my next project?: When designing or redesigning office spaces, consider incorporating flexible zones, shared amenities, and design elements that encourage spontaneous interaction, drawing inspiration from successful coworking layouts.
What are the limitations?: The study's findings may be specific to the selected case studies and the evolving nature of coworking spaces.