The heartbeat of a home is usually the kitchen table. It is where people gather around for meals, homework, coffee. It draws people in and it invites conversation. I have noticed that, just like a kitchen table is the pulse of a home, most innovation studios that are flowing have a similar gathering spot for their designers and staff. One design leader I know told me it is the absolutely first thing she does when she moves into a new studio–to put a table in a central spot that invites pausing, conversation, sharing of ideas and meals. Innovation requires that random collisions occur and diverse perspectives intersect. An inviting table in a central location can help those collisions and intersections to happen. Sometimes the simplest of things can make a huge impact.
Is there a gathering spot for your creative spirits to collide? (And, remember, no matter what work we do, we are all creative spirits so this applies beyond the design studio)
How do you encourage the informal exploration that can yield unexpected solutions?
Think about it.
Cindy
Take Action
Visually scan your workspace. Where are the spaces that invite people to come together and share? How could you introduce your own kitchen table?
