User-Centred Design Principles for the New Workplace Experience

By Nikki Steele, Principal, Interior Design, FBM Architecture & Interior Design & Melayna Simister, Senior Workplace Strategist, Government of Canada’s Real Property Services.

Technological advancements are enabling virtual teams and remote workers to collaborate from anywhere. The role of the workplace must pivot accordingly to make the most of valuable real estate assets while supporting the shifting values of a diverse and high-performing workforce. Through careful consideration of the user experience, workplace design can be leveraged as a tool to promote organizational values, attract talent, enable innovation, tap into the power of a diverse workforce, and foster an inclusive culture. Using the Government of Canada’s newly developed workplace strategy as a case study, this presentation will illustrate how promoting a modern user-centred design approach can transform both private and public sector workplace experience.