When we talk about creating an innovation environment, the focus is often on the wrong things. Many people first think about interior design, technology, and how the space should inspire through its design. But the truth is that the creative process is about the people and culture, not the physical space.
Innovation happens where individuals are given the space to push boundaries and collaborate freely, not where there are the latest technological solutions or a perfectly designed environment.
Traditional mistakes when creating innovation environments
Traditionally, innovation environments are often decorated based on three aspects:
- Purpose – The environment should be decorated for creativity and innovation.
- Inspiration – Beautiful environments are believed to inspire the most.
- Technology and sound – The latest solutions are believed to be impressive and promote creativity.
But this approach often leads to expensive investments that result in regulations and responsibilities to protect these investments, which in turn stifle creativity. If creativity is to flourish, the structure must be flexible and adapted to the needs of people, not the appearance of the space.
Think the other way around – focus on the process, not the place
What would happen if we didn’t furnish according to purpose at all? If we took a simple warehouse, used what we had available to sit, stand and write, painted the walls a single colour and skipped the technology? Instead, we invest all our energy and resources in experienced creative process managers and make sure to invite many different people who have not previously met. The result? An innovation environment that actually works. Creativity does not thrive in perfection, but in interaction, playfulness and freedom.
Culture and attitude are key
The environment must not be governed by controllers who set rules, get angry when someone forgets their things and shut out unannounced guests. Such environments chase away creative souls. Instead, an atmosphere of:
Genuine positivity – Where people help each other, invite and see solutions instead of obstacles.
- Flexibility – Allow people to spread out, work at their own pace and forget about time and space.
- Simplicity – Instead of creating strict booking systems, allow room for spontaneous ideas and meetings.
It’s all about having the right process leaders
Experienced process leaders are the key to success. They understand the dynamics between people and know how to lead a group towards innovation by creating a safe and inspiring atmosphere.
Polished environments where creativity dies
Overly polished premises can inhibit creativity. A boardroom with a large, polished decision table in the middle signals authority and control rather than playfulness and new thinking. Compare this to Berlin cafes – painted with graffiti, filled with odd crockery and a constant buzz. Here spontaneous and creative conversations are created in a relaxed atmosphere.
Creative souls need space to be themselves
Creative people lose themselves in their work and often forget their coffee cup or leave things out in front of them. If we force them to clean up after themselves immediately or limit their space, we inhibit their ability to focus on what they are passionate about. Instead, we should create an environment where they feel welcome and free to explore.
Checklist in order of priority (!) for creating a functioning innovation environment
- Positive, permissive and flexible culture
- Experienced creative process leaders
- Flexible physical conditions
- Many opportunities to write and draw (paper, whiteboards, post-its)
- Access to coffee & refrigerator
- Simple booking system that everyone can use
- Inspirational cases from previous creative solutions in the premises
- Easy-to-use technology and good sound environment
- Aesthetic simplicity that does not steal focus from the process
- Playfulness and permission to create freely
Let kindergartens and playgrounds inspire
For inspiration, look at how children play. After a moment of intense play, a play area looks messy and spontaneous, but it is precisely this freedom that makes children thrive. Kindergartens and playgrounds work when they have the right leaders and an environment for children to express themselves freely. It is the same in innovation environments – create a place where adults can let their inner child free and experiment without fear.
Innovation is about freedom, playfulness and interaction – not about perfect design!
