The human side of design: creating a new film library

The use of continuous quality improvement may keep your film library processes running smoothly, but your staff may still struggle daily with its inadequate design. As the experts who work and live within the design, staff members deserve to play an active role in its improvement. When plans for a construction project that would include a larger film storage area were approved at Tampa General Healthcare, the administrative manager of the film library studied the first generation of blueprints. Encouraged to speak to the designer about her ideas, she presented sketches she had traced over blueprints to relocate the office entrance. Her design suggestions were welcomed. With the film library supervisors now wanting to involve staff members, the administrative manager created a wish list survey asking staff about positive and negative aspects of their work space, and for their suggestions on improving it, if given the chance. They responded with ideas for more soundproofing, better lighting and better storage space. Others recommended better ergonomic design for keyboard height, drawers and even the height of the sliding-glass window in the reception area. These suggestions did not account for the process delays the library experienced, however. Spending time in each of four work areas, the administrative manager found wasted movement, crowding of staff, film and equipment, and inadequate storage. This was the right time for change, she felt, an opportunity that shouldn't slip by. Various plans were created, not only to isolate office workers from noise and traffic, but to include items from the wish list. When it was time for the specifications, staff feedback became critical. The administrative manager consulted with staff members on various shifts and worked with staff ideas and sketches. The time the designer spent visiting the many work areas was critical to finalizing plans. The construction phase came next, after careful planning for carrying out work during the interim, a difficult period. A year later, the administrative manager recommends employee involvement in such projects.