Designing Collaboration Spaces for Hybrid Work
Merging Technology and Design for More Productive Meeting Spaces
It’s safe to say that hybrid work is here to stay, and the meeting room has to evolve to meet the new demands of both in-person and remote participants. In Wayzata, MN, creating productive collaboration spaces means more than just installing the latest technology—it's about building spaces that leverage technology and allow people to interact as naturally as possible. A successful hybrid collaboration space focuses on enabling easy communication and creates an environment that promotes productivity, inclusivity, and engagement for every team member. Let's explore how below.
SEE ALSO: The Key Technologies for a Stellar Collaboration Space
Choosing the Right Technology
The right technology forms the backbone of any successful hybrid collaboration space. For smaller meeting rooms, soundbars with built-in microphones and cameras provide an efficient all-in-one video conferencing solution that's easy to install and use. These systems simplify setup, ensuring teams can start their meetings quickly without worrying about technical glitches.
For larger collaboration spaces, more sophisticated setups are needed. Separate microphones placed strategically around the room or ceiling arrays capture voices clearly, even from participants seated far from the central area. Auto-framing cameras intelligently track speakers, making remote participants feel more connected and providing an experience that feels like being in the room. High-quality speakers ensure audio clarity throughout the space, minimizing distractions and allowing conversations to flow naturally.
Designing Spaces for Inclusivity and Remote Collaboration
Creating an inclusive hybrid collaboration space requires a more thoughtful design that considers in-person and remote participants equally. Multiple displays help maintain visibility for all attendees—one screen can be dedicated to shared content while another keeps remote participants visible, keeping them part of the conversation for in-room participants.
Strategic camera placement is also critical for enhancing communication with remote attendees. Cameras should provide a clear view of the entire room, ensuring remote participants see the speaker and other attendees. Advanced auto-framing cameras that focus on whoever is speaking can make virtual participants feel more connected, keeping them engaged.
Integration with Communication and Collaboration Platforms
Integrating room systems with popular collaboration platforms like Zoom, Microsoft Teams, and Cisco WebEx further enhances user experience. Teams benefit from features like one-touch join, simplified scheduling, wireless data sharing, and automatic captioning to facilitate communication and make meetings more fluid. Using the same platforms that teams use on their laptops and devices creates a familiar experience that makes in-room hybrid meetings as easy to facilitate as fully remote ones.
Are you ready to upgrade your Wayzata collaboration spaces for enhanced team productivity? Call us at (763) 710-5700 or fill out an easy online contact form. We look forward to working with you.
