Best,
Brad Neuberg

Dave: Headphones, definitely. Getting some this weekend. Usually I can block out any noise and focus anyway, but I am not sure that others can. As a community, we just need to make sure we constantly look out for ways to make people more productive and informed through the collaborative workspace.

I posted this after I got off the phone with a client. I was trying to talk, but there was so much noise they could not even hear me. I know some people go into the hallway, but this is not a real option for a consistent work environment. I hardly use the phone, but when I do it is usually a conversation about specific design or business concepts for a project, so the concentration is key.

Alex: I agree that the noise is almost always productive for those in the conversation. It also allows others to chime in with advice or opinions. But what about the people who can’t or wish not to join the conversation at that moment?

It’s interesting, because these challenges are nothing new. Offices have been around forever. The main difference is that we are trying to provide a focused environment, while at the same time encourage useful conversation across many disciplines.

To echo what’s already been said, there are things that we can do to make the situation better, and there are lessons that we can learn for future iterations of the community/project/space. I know I’m interested in exploring ideas to help with the problem.

At the same time, as Dave said, the noise is USUALLY generated on the productive side of the distractions, despite what it often sounds like :-).

And he’s right a second time…it’s about balance. We often err on the side of social, but when it comes down to it, stuff gets done.

In fact, one of the side effects I’ve noticed is that when I’m NOT getting stuff done (which is, uh, never?), I feel guilty about it because I’m surrounded by people who ARE accomplishing goals and getting things done.

I’d really like it if you continued to blog about your exploration with the new work environment, and how we work together to find the balance that’d make it as effective as it can be for you.

And as always…your post and the comments have some new ideas brewing in my head. I’ll be sure to get those out soon!

Me, I just drown out the noise. Or I participate in it. To be honest, more great ideas have been tossed around (and some are being realized) from these little impromptu meetings/brainstorming sessions. I’d hate to miss any of them.

I’m not sure coworking can really give you the quite space permanently. When I know I need dead quiet, I stay at home. When I need a working space with an intense environment, I’m here at Indy Hall. Just gotta find that balance…