This guide will help you analyze your space requirements, limitations,
work style, hardware configurations and related issues in order to design an ergonomically-sound and productive work space suited to your specific needs.
To download an Acrobat version of this Planning Guide click here.
Where are the windows located? How high are they off the ground? What type of window treatments will you use?
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Where are the electrical outlets located? Are there enough? Is the power sufficient for your hardware?
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Where are the telephone outlets? Are there enough? Will you need to add lines for a fax, DSL or secondary phone line?
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Are your computers to be networked? If so, what wiring (if any) is necessary to ensure they function properly?
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What kind of lighting exists in the space? What type of light will you need for the type of work you’ll be doing?
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Are there any available closets which can be used for optimal use of the space?
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Are there any noise factors? If so, is the room carpeted for noise reduction? Are there any other acoustic issues?
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Will this room also be used for any other purpose that would affect the overall layout? If so, how? (For example, will you need to hide your computer and work from guests?)
Do you prefer to spread out, or do you work compactly?
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While working at your desk, how much time will be spent at the computer?
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Will your worksurface require a special shape?
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Will your workspace be able to accommodate your work style? If not, are you willing to change your work habits, or consider another space (if possible)?
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Will you require a lot of drawer space, or will you keep a lot of your supplies on your desktop?
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Which supplies will you be using regularly and how do you want to store them?
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Where will you want to locate hardware peripherals (printer, CPU, etc.), shelving and file storage in order to minimize excessive or uncomfortable movement during use? How often will you need access to each item?
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Will you need a task (desktop) light? If so, what kind (halogen, fluorescent, incandescent or LED)?
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Will you require a height-adjustable work surface? How about an adjustable keyboard tray? A monitor arm?
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What types of work activities will you be doing, such as keyboard work?
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What type of chair will you need to complement your type of work activities?
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How many people will be working in the space? (We recommend answering the above questions for all persons).
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If you will need to accommodate visitors in the space what type of seating/conferencing will be necessary?
OTHER IMPORTANT CONSIDERATIONS:
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What colors do you want to use in decorating the room?
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What furniture style best suits you?
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Do you prefer any particular materials such as wood (type, stain, color), plastic laminates (e.g. "Formica"), metal, paint?
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What is the overall budget for furnishing the room?
THINK ABOUT SPECIFIC DIMENSIONS FOR STORAGE NEEDS:
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Files: (letter or legal size) (in linear feet i.e. 10’ of file storage).
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Bookshelves: (in linear feet) height and depth of shelves
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Closed cabinets:
Any special depth?
Ideal number of cabinets?
Pull-out shelves?
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Other specific storage needs?
WHAT TYPE OF EQUIPTMENT DO YOU HAVE?
When measuring the depth of your equipment, include the depth of the cable heads for the printers and fax, etc. as they add several inches.
For copiers which load the paper from the side, include enough room in the width to allow you to comfortably pull out the paper tray and load it. Include enough room in the height dimension to “flip up” the copier/printer top for easy paper handling.
