Designing the Ultimate Space for Collaboration
As the hybrid workforce took hold and remote working conditions became the norm, businesses searched for collaborative solutions. How could they maintain a productive and engaged workforce when half of their employees were at home? While traditional video conferencing spaces held part of the key, they needed more.
They looked around their limited real estate, saw unused corners and other underutilized areas, and thought, “Hm. I wonder…”
And thus, huddle spaces were born. When combined with Zoom, video collaboration erupts in the most unusual places. Here, we’ll explore how to create productive Zoom Rooms and Huddle Spaces for the modern workplace.
SEE ALSO: Want to Streamline Meetings? Consider Conference Room Automation
What Is a Huddle Space?
A huddle space is a small area designed for brainstorming and collaboration. It typically accommodates two to six people and contains all the necessary equipment for high-quality video conferencing.
Unlike larger conference rooms that may require booking in advance, these spaces are designed for impromptu meetings, available when your staff gets a sudden inspiration or requires a semi-private space to connect with remote employees or clients.
What Equipment Does a Huddle Space Require?
These purpose-built spaces require the same type of video-conferencing equipment needed in larger spaces, only on a smaller scale. Interactive displays, smart cameras, intelligent microphones, and dedicated controllers provide the necessary tools for creating collaborative, tech-enabled spaces.
How Do You Design a Zoom Room Huddle Space?
One of the great features of a huddle space is its ability to blend in with office aesthetics. For this reason, each one is uniquely different. The following represent some of the commonalities you’ll find among these popular spaces.
- Room Size: A well-designed huddle room fosters intimacy while providing enough room to allow creativity to blossom. Typically, they reach up to 150 square feet.
- The Layout: Ergonomically designed, they enable participants to clearly see displays and whiteboards without straining. Comfortable, flexible seating allows for long sessions and arranging furniture based on the activity.
- Acoustic Treatments: One of the most significant challenges with these areas is ensuring privacy and creating a space where remote and in-person participants are clearly heard. Effective acoustic treatments prevent outside noise and reduce echoes.
What Video Conferencing Tools Are Required?
Zoom Rooms include essential video-conferencing equipment and Zoom’s platform, which enables users to start the meeting with one tap. Here’s the equipment you’ll need.
- Display: UHD displays need to be at least 50 inches or larger, depending on the size of the huddle space and the number of anticipated users.
- Computer: The computer runs your video conferencing, sets up the license, and lets you install the needed software.
- Conferencing Camera: A high-quality smart camera with a wide-angle lens captures all attendees and keeps them in focus.
- Microphone and compact speaker: An omnidirectional microphone with noise-canceling technology and speakers with good sound dispersion ensure everyone can hear each other.
- Zoom Whiteboard: An all-in-one digital whiteboard is essential for meeting equity, enabling remote and in-person attendees to participate equally, sharing notes and annotating documents.
- Zoom Room Controller: This platform creates a user-friendly experience, offering one-touch to join, one-click for wireless sharing, and interactive whiteboarding.
How Do You Create a Zoom Huddle?
Employees can quickly view and join once the admin has created a Zoom huddle. In the huddle, they’ll see video tiles of all participants. They can control their audio and video, raise their hand symbol, and share a whiteboard for ultimate collaboration. Team chat enables users to continue discussions after the huddle has ended.
Huddle spaces have become a cost-effective alternative to traditional video conference rooms. Companies can convert unused areas into productive workhorses, maximizing space without extensive remodeling costs. Zoom Rooms make the transition effortless.At Smart Home Worx, we’re excited to share the latest technology that is making a difference in employee equity, collaboration, and the bottom line. Contact one of our offices to learn more about Zoom Rooms and huddle spaces.