09/04/2024 • 4 min read
How design impacts human performance
by Haworth, Inc.
As work schedules and locations continue to evolve, it is essential that workplaces are designed to support employees' needs. Among these needs, physical well-being is key. People can focus on their work more effectively when their environment is comfortable, supportive, and functional. This is where the concept of Physical Affordances comes into play.
Physical Affordances are only part of Haworth's Affordances framework, which aims to help organizations create great spaces that empower people to thrive and work their best—physically, emotionally, and cognitively.
At its core, a workspace should fulfill the physical requirements of the worker. Specifically, the 3 Physical Affordances are anthropometrics, ambients, and movement. By addressing these factors through thoughtful design, workplaces can create environments where employees are comfortable and empowered to perform effectively and efficiently.
Anthropometrics, derived from the Greek words "anthropos" (human) and "metron" (measurement), focuses on how work products support the physical needs of a wide range of body sizes and mobility levels. To create inclusive workspaces, both functional and static anthropometrics should be considered:
· Functional Anthropometrics: Measures movement-based abilities to complete tasks, such as reaching, maneuvering, and general mobility. It informs the design of furniture and spatial applications to accommodate a wide range of body sizes and mobility levels. This ensures easy access to task-related movements, such as adjusting monitors or moving furniture.
· Static Anthropometrics: Measures the body at rest when using objects like chairs and tables. Adjustable furniture, such as task chairs, conference room seating, lounge seating, and desks, is essential for accommodating a wide range of body sizes. Additionally, offering a variety of seating options in each space, such as bi-level tables with stools and chairs, can further enhance inclusivity and comfort.
Ambients are the surrounding sensory aspects of the environment that can significantly influence a worker’s effectiveness. These properties may go unnoticed on a daily basis, but if executed poorly, they can hinder the ability to focus. Imagine trying to complete heads-down work at a noisy restaurant or in a space with a stifling lack of air circulation.
Ambients can vary objectively, but each is perceived on a subjective level. Office facilities personnel should ensure ambient qualities reflect the most commonly desired settings or provide a variety of spaces (e.g., noise-insulated rooms for quiet focus work and open spaces for collaboration) to accommodate the most workers.
Through our research, we recommend focusing on 4 ambients to make the greatest impact in the workplace:
Simply setting the thermostat to 72⁰ F is not enough, however. Air circulation within spaces is also critical. Have you ever entered an unpleasantly stuffy conference room after a large group has just used it? A good HVAC system circulates fresh air into these spaces to alleviate discomfort and make the room more comfortable.
In addition to providing a comfortable and healthy environment, Physical Affordances should also encourage movement. It is no secret that sitting all day is bad for anyone’s health. Still, it is remarkable how often we find ourselves hunched over and stationary as we squint at our computer screens.
A well-designed office promotes movement by offering a variety of spaces that encourage different postures and activities.
Physical Affordances are a critical aspect of workplace design that directly impacts employee well-being and performance. By targeting anthropometrics, ambients, and movement through office design, designers can position the physical properties of the space in a way that optimizes human performance.
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