Design

Designing for introverts: the workplace tips that feel ‘just right’

Shaping workspace to suit different personality types has always been a challenge, but recent research in the field is delivering insights that can support a closer alignment between personality and place

Scent from heaven: how different aromas affect our behaviour

Scentscapes are becoming more popular, but bringing the sensory dimension of smell into the office environment demands a subtle approach. A neuroscientist explains

Lost in space: time for indoor wayfinding to catch up with city

GPS systems have made getting lost when moving around outdoors something of an embarrassment. So why is it still so difficult to navigate the interiors of large buildings?

Why visually subdividing open-plan space makes sense for employees

Private offices may be universally condemned but visually subdividing your open plan space will improve interaction, focus and performance according to the latest in neuroscience research

Out of the darkness: lighting up your winter working life

How can we combat the dark winter months when scarcity of natural light threatens to disrupt our working patterns? A neuroscientist explains some tricks of the trade

Design across borders: why culture matters in workplace design

As workplace design becomes increasingly global, creating spaces that resonate culturally is a growing challenge. New research shows how cultural values can shape expectations of workspace design

Investing in people: why good ergonomics is good economics

Ergonomic design is one of those invisible infrastructures that sit below the waterline inside organisations. But failure to address employee discomfort can be costly, says Humanscale

Whiter shade of pale: why the colour of the year is slightly off

Pantone’s choice of Cloud Dancer as its colour of 2026 is fine for those who just want to chill while our world collapses. Could a different shade make a difference? A neuroscientist explains