Developing innovations also requires an appropriate analogue workspace concept. The work environment must give employees the option to work together in interdisciplinary teams, work visually, test ideas, observe intensive phases of concentration, create prototypes, and much more.

This results in future-proof, user-oriented solutions. In short: an innovative work environment must offer genuine space for Design Thinking.

We use Design Thinking in two completely different ways. On the one hand, we were guided by the Design Thinking approach when the new premises were being developed. The starting point was to understand employee needs and working methods. In addition, the workplace concepts of other companies were analysed both for inspiration and to avoid repeating common mistakes.

Based on these observations, a prototype was developed  and a room in the old office building was rebuilt accordingly. In the prototype room, the employees – as the target group – had the opportunity to test furniture and lighting concepts, evaluate floor coverings, follow sketches from architects and carpenters, and monitor project progress on whiteboards; feedback was explicitly requested at all stages.

The experience gained and suggestions from employees were directly incorporated into the development phase of the new premises. The result is a unique work environment that is currently in the advanced stages of “refinement”.