Our Industry

Five AV Design Considerations

By Melvin Figuereo

WHAT DOES REMOTE WORK MEAN FOR THE AUDIOVISUAL INDUSTRY?

During the COVID-19 pandemic, teams proved they could work from home productively. Over 60% of workdays were remote in May 2020. As of February 2023, about 55% of people want to work remotely at least three days a week. 59% are more likely to choose an employer that offers remote work opportunities over one that doesn’t. This is possible because people are not bound to “fixed” devices such as computer towers, office phones, or even meeting rooms.

Today’s workforce is as reliant on their smartphones, tablets, and laptops as they once were on “fixed” machines. These devices can transform any space into a hoteling office or even a meeting room, thanks to the rise of the many conferencing platforms (like Microsoft Teams, Cisco WebEx, and Zoom) in the market.

TOP FIVE AUDIOVISUAL DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS

Here are our top five audiovisual design considerations for creating an effective workspace to accommodate collaboration between people in the office and those working remotely.

  • Flexible audiovisual systems: Office spaces need audiovisual systems that are adaptable and flexible. The audiovisual industry is already developing systems that can seamlessly integrate with remote conferencing tools, such as Zoom or Microsoft Teams. These allow remote employees to participate in meetings as effectively as those in the office.
  • Collaborative spaces: Office spaces will increasingly be designed to encourage collaboration and teamwork. Audiovisual systems, such as interactive whiteboards or wireless presentation systems, will help facilitate effective communication and collaboration between remote and in-person team members.
  • Acoustic design: With more employees working remotely or in open-plan offices, noise levels in the workplace have become a significant issue. The audiovisual industry is focusing on developing acoustic design solutions that can help mitigate background noise and create a quieter, more productive workplace.
  • Intelligent lighting: Lighting plays a crucial role in creating an optimal workplace environment. The audiovisual industry is developing intelligent lighting systems that can adapt to individual preferences and tasks. These systems can help create a more comfortable and productive workplace while saving energy.
  • Immersive technologies: As virtual and augmented reality technologies continue to evolve, they will play an increasingly important role in workplace design. The audiovisual industry is already exploring ways to integrate these technologies into office spaces, creating immersive environments that can help facilitate training, collaboration, and communication.

QUESTIONS?

As part of our audiovisual consulting service, we help clients enhance day-to-day operations in the workplace. We understand how the market is evolving and what that means for our clients, so we can help them make the best decisions for their business and people. If you have any questions about the industry or our services, please email me at mfiguero@wbengineering.com.