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The Role Of the AV Integrator in Huddle Space Design

Crystal clear audiovisual. Effective acoustics. Perfect lighting. Comfortable and functional furniture. These are the key ingredients of the experiential huddle space design that creates truly memorable experiences and makes participants eager to return and use the space again.

What Is Experiential Design?

Millennials are likely the group to thank for inspiring the huddle room. They were born with the Internet, with a robust appetite for technology and social engagement. They are acclimated to creative and flexible work spaces with a design based on their technology needs. They want their workplaces to be transformed into engaging, interactive and immersive experiences, important aspects that experiential design aims to address.

In the context of the huddle model, experiential design is simply an architecture that engages workers anytime, wherever they may be. The huddle room is a small space that can physically accommodate a handful of people, but experiential design intends to make room for team members who are working at home, on the road or elsewhere. Connectivity on both ends is a big consideration and functional audiovisual an imperative. AV conferencing, updates, chats and impromptu brainstorming are virtual gatherings that fast track efficiency, decision making and productivity.

AV Options In Collaboration Design

It’s no secret that AV is an effective collaboration tool in a huddle space. The role of AV in experiential design of the huddle space makes all kinds of participation possible. Regardless of location.

Video, shared screens, interactive smart boards, and other AV technology helps participants facilitate successful meetings. As an AV Integrator, it is your job to work with clients to figure out what design elements will meet their needs.

Do they want newer technology like augmented reality? An AR overlay on top of the existing environment can keep participants fully engrossed in the meeting while giving them information they need.

What about VR? If your client has several remote employees, VR can be a great option to help everyone feel like they’re in the same room.

Or does your client just simply need a smart board and a video conferencing system? As an integrator, it’s up to you to figure out what works best to meet the individual needs of your client.

A Big Challenge and Opportunity For AV Integrators

The use of technology in organizational meetings has evolved from email and PowerPoints to wide-scale AV-centric collaboration. A well-built huddle space can best be achieved when integrators and architects join forces in the project planning process. The failure to consider just one AV component can have a negative impact on the entire huddle experience.

Integrators and architects also need to think about the positioning of microphones, screens, outlets and all other AV components. The AV integrator’s goal is to not only supply the tools but install them as seamlessly as possible and provide support throughout the project lifecycle. Equipment, such as LED displays, projectors, speakers, microphones, monitors and switches, should be housed in dedicated racks to preserve the aesthetic look of the space.

In addition, integrators need to consider future advancements. How will new technology fit in a huddle space? Can the technology be changed easily? This can be a challenge, but creating a space that can be adapted easily will ensure its use for years to come.

The office huddle room is a place where AV technology is widely represented and great possibilities await AV integrators. By offering the best AV tools, you can make your clients’ employees get the most out of their meetings and the meeting space.

This was reprinted with permission from HB Communications and originally appeared here.

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