Space for thought: designing for knowledge workers
Abstract
Purpose
Generic use of the term “knowledge worker” has resulted in a generic approach to designing office environments for this group. The purpose of this paper is to probe the mobility patterns and motivations of knowledge workers in order to provide a classification of different types of knowledge worker.
Design/methodology/approach
The study was undertaken using a range of qualitative research methods including semi‐structured interviews with 20 knowledge workers representing different levels of mobility and experience, ethnographic studies in a media company, real estate business and a public relations firm, and a user workshop. A novel drawing exercise was introduced to elicit responses during the interview process.
Findings
Four knowledge worker “character types” emerged from the research: the Anchor and the Connector, who are mainly office‐based, and the Gatherer and the Navigator, who work more widely afield.
Research limitations/implications
This is a small study revealing characteristics particular to the participating individuals and organisations. However, it has wider implications in that the more complex set of requirements revealed by the project requires a more responsive and service‐led approach to office design for knowledge workers and the development of new protocols of use within office space.
Originality/value
The originality/value lies in giving designers and facilities managers an insight into the different needs of knowledge workers, who are commonly treated as a homogeneous group. The typologies are an active tool for better brief‐making in design for creative facilities.
Keywords
Citation
Greene, C. and Myerson, J. (2011), "Space for thought: designing for knowledge workers", Facilities, Vol. 29 No. 1/2, pp. 19-30. https://doi.org/10.1108/02632771111101304
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2011, Emerald Group Publishing Limited