The Unspoken Importance of Meeting Room Design
Jul 26, 2024
Over the years, many studies and experiments have helped us narrow down factors that contribute to the success of business meetings. We all know a good meeting can make or break a good deal.
When it comes to professional meetings, it's natural to see many get overly concerned with the delivery of meetings and the discussion itself in terms of presentation structure, interactions, body language, and other skills like pitching and negotiation.
But did you know that unnoticed things like the design of a meeting room have much more impact on the outcomes of a meeting?
Yes! How the meeting room is designed and arranged and its interior concepts, including colour prospects, play a crucial role in moulding the vibe and environment for a successful meeting.
Here is all you need to know about the unspoken importance of meeting room design in a workplace and the impact it has on successful outcomes.
The Design Defines the Purpose of Your Meetings
Meeting rooms are used for many purposes, and not every layout fits the needs perfectly. For example, some meeting rooms are used for board meetings with employees or management, while others are used for client meetings, which are more oriented towards presentations, pitching, and negotiating.
The purpose of these meetings is different from one another, and this is why it is best believed that there is no one best meeting room layout that works for all. The meeting room layout in a workplace, especially seating arrangements, should be arranged to fit the purpose of the meeting and the type of interaction it calls for.
Always try to use modular, multi-functional furniture to design a meeting room layout that best suits the type of discussion and interaction involved. Making careful choices can make meeting room layouts more versatile, encourage creativity, and boost participation.
An Effective Design Enhances Comfort
Any organisation trying to understand why meeting room design is important should assess the comfort levels of their attendees. Even a well-structured meeting with exceptional presenters will fail if the attendees are not comfortable enough to sit and focus.
Enhancing comfort in a meeting room design primarily involves seating arrangements and furniture. Ergonomic design, adjustability, breathable material, and supportive accessories like well-designed armrests or footrests are some features organisations should consider when designing an effective meeting room.
Keep in mind that a comfortable meeting room is one that keeps attendees or participants more focused, attentive, and interactive without requiring them to adjust their positions often.
How the Meeting Room is Designed Improves Communication and Connectivity
One key criterion for a good meeting room design is having the right facilities for clear communication and connection with the attendees. In a traditional setting, tools like a Microphone, projector, and whiteboards can improve the efficiency of a meeting room design.
In the modern workplace, where everything is transforming to remote concepts, with employees and clients across different geographical boundaries, having the right technology is crucial.
Most importantly, a professional and reliable IT or support team is necessary to help with breakdowns. Although many organisations overlook this, it has a significant impact on improving meeting productivity, especially in a remote setting.
This involves having regular maintenance to ensure the meeting room design ensures smooth communication and connectivity at all times. Organisations should also consider acoustic factors by implementing soundproofing measures to minimize external noise and ensure clear communication within the meeting room.
User-friendliness Through Smart Design of your Meeting Space
Organisations trying to understand why meeting room design must not be overlooked should first acknowledge that times have changed. Today, the concept of meetings is no longer a verbal discussion between two people.
Modern meetings are heavily technology-based. In fact, it is not wrong to say that the type of technology used in a meeting room design and its user-friendliness can be the primary factor in deciding the success of a meeting.
While it is highly encouraged to use high-end meeting technology to improve interactions, visual presentation, and creative aspects that keep attendees engaged, the user-friendliness of them matters the most.
A good meeting room design should incorporate technology that allows participants to share screens and content with one another from any device of their choice.
Not having to worry about how to set up meetings and ensuring the devices in the room are compatible with the attendees increases focus and productivity alongside efficient communication, which is the whole point of a meeting room, i.e. being able to centrally share resources and information.
Ensuring this improves user experience and confidence in using tech in the meeting space and reduces support requests.
The Importance of Colour Psychology
Understanding why meeting room design is crucial for positive outcomes has a lot to do with colour psychology as well. Colours have an interesting way of inflecting the attendees' moods, vibes, and thoughts.
It has a strong ability to give a first impression of something. The colours of a meeting room represent a company's unique brand identity and style, and it is almost a personal statement of what the company and workplace are all about.
Here's a brief guide on different colours and the types of impact it creates on the attendees.
Blue
The colour is best known to promote enhanced focus and calmness. It is considered best for formal meetings and client discussions.
Green
It delivers an aesthetic that fosters creativity and reduces stress. This colour combination is best for brainstorming sessions and collaborative meeting settings.
Yellow
If there is one colour that has a strong effect on boosting energy and optimism, it has to be yellow. This colour works best when incorporated in meeting room designs that often host team or client meetings and creative workshops.
Neutral Tones
These colours are the best option to create a versatile and balanced meeting room design. It is best for meeting rooms that can be adaptable to various meeting settings.
Alongside colours it is also important for organisations to focus on proper lighting within an efficient meeting room setting. Try to consider maximising natural lighting to boost mood and productivity.
Use soft lighting that doesn't strain the eye to create a comfortable environment that keeps attendees engaged. Incorporating adjustable lighting can also allow for adapting to different meeting needs and times of the day.
Proper lighting enhances focus, reduces fatigue, and improves the overall meeting experience.
The Attention Span in Meetings
The average attention span of adults is 20-30 minutes only. Any meeting extending beyond this duration should have a well-structured program and, most importantly, an efficient meeting room design that allows comfort, easy interaction, and engagement with the meeting attendees. At The Executive Centre, all our meeting room designs incorporate the latest concepts and technology to ensure a superior experience for our clients and their teams. Our primary focus is to create a workplace that enhances productivity, fosters creativity, and facilitates seamless communication. Whether you're planning a critical client presentation, a team brainstorming session, or a strategic planning meeting, we offer a range of meeting rooms designed to lead to positive outcomes. Contact us today to hire a convenient meeting room that perfectly suits your requirements.
Written By
Ketan Trehan
Associate Director UAE & KSA