According to a recent IBM study, the #1 focus of CEO’s for sustained success is INNOVATION. More than 80% of CEO’s responding to the IBM survey state innovation as the driver of business in the new world economy. The belief is that companies need to think differently in order to compete with other companies that are working hard to think differently. The business world is chasing innovation, from production design to the production line.
This desire for increased innovation has led many organizations to design spaces that foster more creative thinking; and there are more that a few consultants telling them how to do it. We now see all sorts of organizations taking clues from innovative companies (like Google) and renovating spaces to create factories of innovation. Think pods, hammocks, slides, artificial turf, vibrant colors, writable wall surfaces, etc., etc., etc. can now been seen in the trendiest of organizations – all for the sake of innovation. But these tools alone do not create an environment for a more creative brain trust.
Here’s the truth. You cannot force innovation through space design. The strategy of creating a physical space to support innovation cannot work alone. According to Peter Drucker; “Culture eats strategy for breakfast.” It is essential that your organizations culture supports the concept of innovation at it’s core. Innovation needs to become an instilled value within the organization, embedded in daily actions, from the C-Level down to the mail room.
Design DNA has been developed to help organizations align their space with their strategy. By first knowing your culture we can help create spaces that support larger goals, like innovation. For more information regarding Design DNA please feel free to contact us at Point One Architects.
