Why Workspace Design Is Important
Work environment directly affects our productivity and creativity. A properly designed workspace enhances focus, reduces fatigue, and allows you to maintain performance even during long work sessions. According to environmental psychology research, the quality of physical space significantly impacts cognitive function and mood.
Optimizing Lighting
Lighting is one of the elements that most affects work efficiency.
Utilizing Natural Light
- Place desk near window and bring in natural light
- However, avoid direct sunlight and reflection on screen
- Ideally place desk at 90 degrees to window
Choosing Artificial Lighting
- Color temperature of 4000K-5000K (daylight white) is suitable for work
- Combine indirect and direct lighting
- Add task light to illuminate hands
Research suggests productivity can improve up to 15% with appropriate lighting environment.
Managing Temperature and Air Quality
Comfortable temperature range varies by individual, but generally 20-25 degrees Celsius is recommended.
- Summer: Slightly cool (22-24 degrees)
- Winter: Slightly warm (23-25 degrees)
- Maintain humidity at 40-60%
Air quality is also important. Regular ventilation, air purifiers, and indoor plants are effective.
Basic Layout Principles
Zoning Divide space according to work content.
- Focus work zone: Main desk
- Reference zone: Bookshelves and document storage
- Relaxation zone: Chairs and sofa for breaks
Securing Traffic Flow Place frequently used items within reach and reduce unnecessary movement.
Controlling Field of Vision
- Remove distracting elements from view
- Divide with partitions or plants as needed
Introducing Ergonomics
Design based on human engineering is needed to reduce physical burden from long work sessions.
Desk and Chair
- Desk height at position where elbows are at 90 degrees
- Chair supports lower back and is at height where feet touch floor
- Monitor slightly below eye level, at arm's length distance
Standing Desk Worth considering an environment for working while standing to avoid the downsides of continuous sitting. Alternating between sitting and standing positions is effective for promoting blood circulation and maintaining focus.
Designing Sound Environment
Moderate ambient noise is said to be better for creative work than complete silence.
- White noise or pink noise
- Cafe ambient sounds
- Nature sounds (rain, river babbling, etc.)
On the other hand, silence is suitable for tasks requiring complex thinking. Using noise-canceling headphones is also effective.
Personalization and Organization
Personal Elements Place small amounts of items that boost motivation, like photos or art. However, excessive decoration becomes a cause of distraction.
Organization Habits
- Reset desk at end of each day
- Dispose of unnecessary items once a week
- Digitize documents and reduce physical volume
Summary
The ideal workspace is achieved by comprehensively optimizing five elements: lighting, temperature, layout, ergonomics, and sound environment. You don't need to change everything at once. Start by improving the most concerning point in your current environment and gradually approach the ideal state—this is a realistic approach. Customize to your work style and preferences, and by regularly reviewing, you can build an environment that sustains high performance.