Secrets of successful design for profits and people

It seems counterintuitive but technology is making the workspace more human, less rigid and more flexible. Workplace design is changing; responding to the long distance call from the cloud.

At dwp, we believe workplace design should support the shift towards greater fluidity. We design for digital transformation because it plays an important role in the flow of ideas and creativity as AI takes over from tedious, repetitive unrewarding roles.

dwp’s design for The One Card in Bangkok’s office interactive digital wall ‘receptionist’, which greets people and directs them to their appointments, shows how mundane roles can be eliminated. This leaves more money to spend on ‘human nature jobs’ that have a ROI like empathy, creativity and communication.

Design can either reinforce or break down the symbolic structure of decision-making. The closer we work with technology, the less hierarchy stands in the way of cooperation and the more time can be spent on critical thinking and creative skills. When dwp moved offices, we embraced it as an opportunity to walk the talk of digital transformation. Our open plan office is designed for dwp staff to be creative and interactive. Natural light flows in from the treeline which also reduces energy consumption. Fully wireless the team is no longer tied to their desks by a PC and lan cable, so can work independently or in groups anywhere in the office. Smartphones, social media, artificial intelligence and the Internet are just part of digital transformation. We have found out for ourselves that digitally transformed flexible offices make good business sense by establishing a sustainable competitive edge and cost effectiveness.

dwp have literally ‘been there and done that’, so for more information about how to integrate the new world of digital transformation into your old world office design (and much more), please contact scott.w@dwp.com