🏢 That's an Office.

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While working on the Hackquire™ book, we visited many offices and studios and observed how layout affects productivity. For remote work, creating a supportive workspace is essential. This article shares our research using movies as examples, which could spark a new vision for the office or studio space.

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1/7. Cluster Office Layout:

Psychology: Cluster layouts foster teamwork and creativity by facilitating close-knit collaboration and communication among team members. These environments are ideal for tasks requiring frequent interaction and quick decision-making, making them popular in industries where innovation is key.

• "21" (2008)

  • Description: MIT students collaborate in clustered workspaces, planning heists.

• "Boiler Room" (2000)

  • Description: Depicts a high-pressure trading floor with clustered desks.

• "Moneyball" (2011)

  • Description: Team-based workspaces reflecting the collaboration in sports management.

• "The Social Network" (2010)

  • Description: Depicts Facebook's early collaborative, clustered work environment.

• "War Room" (2015)

  • Description: Shows a cluster layout where strategic discussions happen.

2/7. Cubicle Office Layout:

Psychology: Cubicle layouts offer privacy and focus but can lead to feelings of isolation and monotony. While they are effective for tasks that require concentration, they may reduce creativity and employee morale if not balanced with opportunities for interaction.

• "Brazil" (1985)

  • Description: A dystopian bureaucracy filled with claustrophobic cubicles.

• "Joe Versus the Volcano" (1990)

  • Description: Features a gray, depressing cubicle office space.

• "Office Space" (1999)

  • Description: Satirical take on corporate life in cubicle farms.

• "The Incredibles" (2004)

  • Description: Mr. Incredible's suffocating cubicle reflects his midlife crisis.

• "Wanted" (2008)

  • Description: The protagonist's dull cubicle job contrasts with his secret life.

3/7. Half Partition Layout:

Psychology: Half partitions strike a balance between privacy and openness, providing workers with personal space while still encouraging interaction. This layout is beneficial for roles that require both individual focus and collaboration.

• "Jobs" (2013)

  • Description: Apple's low-partition workspaces balance openness and focus.

• "Moneyball" (2011)

  • Description: Sports office with half partitions for teamwork and individual work.

• "The Devil Wears Prada" (2006)

  • Description: Workstations with low partitions reflecting hierarchical structure.

• "The Terminal" (2004)

  • Description: Airport office with half-partitioned desks, showing shared responsibilities.

• "Up in the Air" (2009)

  • Description: Features office settings with half partitions, reflecting transient workspaces.

4/7. Hybrid Office Layout:

Psychology: Hybrid layouts combine elements of open, private, and collaborative spaces, catering to diverse work styles within the same environment. This flexibility can enhance both productivity and employee satisfaction by allowing workers to choose the setting that best suits their task.

• "Big Hero 6" (2014)

  • Description: Animation showing futuristic hybrid workspaces combining labs and offices.

• "Inception" (2010)

  • Description: Corporate offices with a blend of private and open spaces.

• "Jobs" (2013)

  • Description: Depicts Apple’s mix of open and private workspaces.

• "Steve Jobs" (2015)

  • Description: Transitioning office designs at Apple from traditional to hybrid.

• "The Intern" (2015)

  • Description: Blends traditional and modern elements for a balanced workspace.

5/7. Open Office Layout:

Psychology: Open office layouts are designed to enhance collaboration and communication but can also lead to increased distractions and stress due to lack of privacy. They are most effective when combined with quiet areas or privacy options.

• "9 to 5" (1980)

  • Description: Three women navigate an open-plan office with various challenges.

• "Broadcast News" (1987)

  • Description: This film showcases a busy, open newsroom environment.

• "The Circle" (2017)

  • Description: Tech company's transparent, open-concept office promotes surveillance.

• "The Internship" (2013)

  • Description: Google's open, innovation-focused office layout for team collaboration.

• "The Wolf of Wall Street" (2013)

  • Description: Shows open trading floors where high energy and interaction occur.

6/7. Private Offices:

Psychology: Private offices provide the highest level of privacy, control, and focus, making them ideal for tasks that require confidentiality or deep concentration. However, they can also create barriers to communication and collaboration.

• "American Psycho" (2000)

  • Description: High-powered executives with private offices highlighting their status.

• "Mad Men" (2007-2015, TV Series)

  • Description: Executives’ private offices signify status and control.

• "Suits" (2011-2019, TV Series)

  • Description: Legal drama centered around private offices in a prestigious firm.

• "The Post" (2017)

  • Description: Private offices for editorial leaders at The Washington Post.

• "The Godfather" (1972)

  • Description: Features private, luxurious offices symbolizing power and authority.

7/7. Traditional Office Layout:

Psychology: Traditional office layouts, with private offices and designated work areas, support hierarchy and organization but can limit spontaneous communication and collaboration. These environments are often used in industries that require clear structure and authority.

• "Glengarry Glen Ross" (1992)

  • Description: Real estate office with traditional private offices and a bullpen.

• "Mad Men" (2007-2015, TV Series)

  • Description: 1960s advertising firm with private offices for senior staff.

• "The Post" (2017)

  • Description: Traditional offices in a historic newspaper's editorial department.

• "The Secret Life of Walter Mitty" (2013)

  • Description: Combines open creative spaces with traditional editorial offices.

• "Working Girl" (1988)

  • Description: Corporate world with strict hierarchies and private offices.

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