case study DIRECTV DLab 2013
Customer Information DIRECTV s DLab (Digital Innovation Lab) based in Los Angeles, develops new digital products and services for a variety of divisions within the company. They define themselves as an internal agency, and decided to create an innovation space separate from DIRECTV s main campus. 2
Background DLab faced many challenges with their original space. Cubicles with high walls and little surface area made people feel separated and constrained. Additionally, DLab found it challenging to recruit the high quality people they needed to grow their business. Candidates turned down jobs because of the work environment. Working on longer term projects proved difficult as there was little room to post project documents. Hosu seating / SW_1 seating and tables 3
Project Goals & Focus To begin the project, the DLab team discussed the ideal space they would need to accommodate different modes of working like brainstorming, collaborating and focused work. They also researched other companies and their strategies for leveraging space to foster innovation in the workplace. When we first started the project with the Digital Ideation team, their vision was very clear. They wanted a very open and inviting space without overt barriers to promote collaborative work practices in a comfortable environment. We wanted to achieve a state-of-the-art space which integrated the DIRECTV Digital Ideation brand yet remained professional in feel. Kam Kamran Planning and Design, Jones Lang LaSalle SW_1 lounge seating with tablet 4
An Open Plan Environment The outcome was an open plan environment that maximizes the use of every wall surface with chalkboard paint, tackboards, corkboards, magnetic whiteboards and even windows on which to post work and ideas from brainstorming. Any surface, digital or physical, is easily accessible, making for a creative atmosphere where employees can take control of the space and make it their own. In our old space, I could come in and not know if anyone was in the office, walk to my cube and not see anyone all day long. Now you say good morning to the people around you when you come in. It feels like a team. It feels like a place I want to come every day. It feels like home. Kali Weissman associate Director, Operations, DIRECTV Hosu seating / SW_1 table 5
Innovative Furniture In addition to very expressive colors and finishes, we looked to innovative furniture to create space for gatherings, brainstorming sessions and impromptu meetings, to respect the brand in a stylish and functional manner. After a lengthy review process, we felt that Coalesse was the right product and a great match for the brand in achieving the final outcome. In the end, we were very proud of the space. It s beautiful as well as functional. Kam Kamran Planning and Design, Jones Lang LaSalle Sebastopol tables 6
A Range of Settings That Inspire DLab attributes much of the success of their new space to the flexibility of the furniture which can be moved around to create the spaces they need, for the work that needs to be done at that moment. The space was planned so that people can feel more creative and inspired. A variety of different types of spaces are available. If employees feel like they want to be in the kitchen and have a snack while they re meeting, they can. Or they might choose to hang out in the mini garage, do jigsaw puzzles or get comfortable in the living room area to test prototypes and concepts. Sebastopol table 7
Flexibility People love the Hosu chairs. They love the freedom of moving them around the space to create their own work space within the lab. The Circa seating has gives us a range of options. You can break it up into four separate pieces for workshops, to create teams, or just as it is to create a meeting space that feels separate from everything, but without walls. It can do just about anything. Kali Weissman associate Director, Operations, DIRECTV Circa seating/ Denizen tables Hosu seating 8
Feedback Having the flexibility to create the space you want and transform your environment for the work being done has been the biggest success. We are more collaborative, expressive and innovative because our space now allows for this workplace culture. Kali Weissman Associate Director, Operations, DIRECTV 9
Project Information & Contact Info Project Info: - 6000 square feet - 23 Employees - 40% collaborative area Coalesse 1.866.645.6952 Coalesse_Concierge@coalesse.com www.coalesse.com DirecTV El Segundo, California www.directv.com/dlab Planning / Design Jones Lang LaSalle 2321 Rosecrans Ave Ste 3235 El Segundo, CA 90245 www.joneslanglasalle.com