Swanson Russell

“There’s a temptation in our networked age to think that ideas can be developed by email and iChat. That’s crazy. Creativity comes from spontaneous meetings, from random discussions. You run into someone, you ask what they’re doing, you say ‘Wow,’ and soon you’re cooking all sorts of ideas.”

Steve Jobs, from Steve Jobs by Walter Isaacson

The Cubicle

It started as a great idea. It gave office workers, who had to sit in close quarters to each other in endless lines, a sense of privacy and space. It initially increased productivity and enabled focus. However, as popular culture states, cubicles became a symbol of isolation and uniformity. This is true in the creative field – there is something that dies inside a square structure covered in gray fabric.  

The Heart of the Interactive Department 

In 2011, the Swanson Russell interactive department decided to tear down the cubicle walls—literally. This was to create an area that would allow better communication, with open spaces to make the area more inviting. We were surprised to find, amongst other things, that the room was much larger than anticipated and that the carpet was actually purple. 

“In a time where you really need collaboration, separate offices can burden that – as people get used to being content with the same thing every day. Interactions were more planned, less spontaneous. Without walls, you now walk in the interactive area and see people’s eyes – and folks conversing. There's an open collaboration. No one has offices. Instead, they have spaces. A space they can call their own, yet the senses are noticing different, spontaneous things all the time. Whether it's one person or ten people, you can invite them into your space. Everyone is willing to share, but can still get work done. 

Johnny Le, Interactive Manager

The centerpiece of the interactive area is a large meeting table that doubles as a whiteboard and a Ping-Pong table. Johnny says it best:

“We brought back a large middle table, recognizing a big mistake we made four or five years ago when we got rid of it. That was a centerpiece of the old interactive that was pivotal to bringing people together. So, we brought back an oldie that promotes collaboration, and made it even more collaborative and fun. Turning it into a whiteboard and Ping-Pong table was just what we needed for our culture.”

Between Two Boys 

While we have plenty traditional office space here at Swanson Russell, there is a space in the creative department that really stands out. It is an office shared by designers Ashley Rolf, Justin Young and Heath Foster. Its walls are covered with eye candy and there is always loud music pumping. Ashley shared how it is to share an office with two guys:

“There's rarely a dull moment when you sit between two guys. We might spend the day pulling pranks on each other, playing music loud enough to shake Wiley's office or even just…working…but regardless, I couldn't imagine going back to the lone cubicle setting again. It’s great having people around for the times when you're stuck or struggling with a design decision, or to help troubleshoot if something funky is going on with your computer or printer. Even to help point out if the problem is, ahem, user error. Most of all, it’s inspiring to have amazingly talented people in your space to look to, talk through problems with, and just chill and design loudly together. I really enjoy hearing about Heath's very descriptive hunting stories. And I would never give that up.”

Ashley Rolf, Graphic Designer

Art Director Area

The Interactive Art Director office is very long and narrow, so organization of that space was a challenge. Jen Landis (Interactive Art Director) and I decided to morph the front of the room into a collaborative space. We added a couch, chairs and a table. And our latest addition is a coffee bar we cleverly call “/* JavaScript */.” We now make our own coffee. And, yes, it is delicious!

Fresh Air

One rarity that we have at our Lincoln office is the smoking balcony. Now, the issue of smoking aside, it is probably a rare feature in any office. The regulars at the smoking balcony use this space for more than smoking breaks. The space is perfect for getting fresh air, brainstorming new ideas and keeping an eye on the parking lot below.    

Throughout the Lincoln office there are a few additional spaces specifically designed for collaboration. On the west side of the building there is a creative brainstorming area used for meetings or an occasional game of shuffleboard. The west side basement and database department were also recently renovated. The renovation included a brand new mailroom and sitting area designed with comfort and collaboration in mind.   But, no matter where you go through the Swanson Russell Lincoln office, walls are being broken down and areas for open collaboration and idea sharing are being created. 

Do you have an area at your work place that inspires your creativity or promotes collaboration and idea sharing? Leave me a comment below about your favorite place or provide a link so we can check it out.

Photo Credits: Landon Stahmer, Interactive Design Intern