You may be familiar with AV equipment, such as video conferencing systems and high-tech, voice-activated entryways, but creating a functional AV system requires more than updated equipment.
AV design encompasses creating engaging experiences that deliver consistent brand messages while enhancing productivity and supporting effective communication. AV design is a vital component of the modern workplace in a post-COVID world where employees and clients expect the highest level of functionality.
As a result, AV design must create a seamless user experience and accommodate the needs of a changing workforce. Decision-makers and IT departments will significantly benefit from working with AV integrators with AV design experience.
The Importance of AV Design in a Post-Covid World
Workplace design significantly impacts an organization’s ability to foster collaboration, creativity, and communication. Workplace design also affects an organization’s ability to attract and retain top talent. The current hiring environment sways in favor of employees, and companies must adapt to these changes to create a comfortable workplace.
As of 2022, Millennials comprise 35% of the US workforce, and by 2025, 75% of the global workforce will be millennials. As Millennials become the predominant demographic of workers, and Gen Z follows closely behind them, employers should pay close attention to their wants and needs to retain top talent. Both Millennials and Gen Z would choose a workplace with an inspiring working environment in favor of higher salaries and other employees.
In a post-COVID world, employees are increasingly concerned about their physical and mental health. For many employees, this includes maintaining a healthy work-life balance facilitated by remote and hybrid work, with studies showing that 55% of employees would prefer to work remotely three days a week, while 59% of employees are more likely to choose employers with remote work opportunities.
A better focus on employee well-being will encourage employees to work in the office. Your AV design should reduce exposure to germs, ensuring employees feel comfortable in the office. Furthermore, employees need access to reliable AV equipment to ensure they can communicate with one another from any location, whether working from home or in the office.
The Characteristics of High-Quality AV Design
The most effective AV systems must function reliably to ensure clear and consistent communication. These results are possible with proper planning, the right equipment, and reliable IT support. Experienced audiovisual integrators will curate AV design with the following qualities for optimal performance.
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In-depth Planning
AV integrators will begin by assessing your organization’s needs and the area in which you would like to install improved AV solutions. All of the AV equipment must function properly together while enhancing each area’s strengths and minimizing weaknesses. For instance, an expansive meeting room has the benefit of accommodating many participants, but it will require large displays complete with high resolution to ensure that all participants can collaborate effectively.
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Utilize Digital Signage
Once considered a luxury, digital signage has become a necessity in the post-COVID workplace. Digital signage allows organizations to deliver information, such as company messaging and wayfinding while reducing face-to-face contact. With digital signage, employees and clients can easily access registration information, conference room availability, health guidelines, and occupancy limits from the moment they step foot in the building.
Effective AV design ensures that all digital signage is the appropriate screen size in relation to the viewing angle and location. AV integrators will also consider the display screen’s resolution and will generally recommend the highest resolution available to delay obsolescence.
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Incorporate Touchless Technology
The demand for touchless technology reached unprecedented levels during the lockdown, and this demand continues to rise. During 2020, the global touchless market reached a total valuation of $6.8 billion and is expected to reach $15.3 billion by 2025. Employees and clients are interested in touchless technology because it is a convenient way to reduce the spread of bacteria.
Touchless technology is an integral part of AV design in the modern workplace. A recent survey from Ultraleap found that 80% of consumers consider public touchscreens unhygienic and prefer touchless technology instead. AV integrators may incorporate touchless technology in the form of gesture recognition and voice commands to reduce contact with high-touch surfaces. This investment demonstrates that your organization prioritizes employee health by creating a safer work environment.
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Utilize Intuitive AV Technology
The corporate work environment has changed drastically since the onset of COVID-19. As hybrid work becomes the new normal, thoughtful AV design can elevate the work environment for improved collaboration, comfort, and engaging experiences.
Rather than offer the most high-tech AV solutions, integrate technology that is easy to use to support effective communication inside and outside the office. AV integrators typically choose communication tools from multiple sources to enhance collaboration and optimize communication. They may suggest the incorporation of IoT and AI-enabled devices that can recognize each user and automatically adapt to their needs for a better work environment.
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Maintenance and Ongoing Support
Exceptional AV design does not require high-maintenance equipment. Experienced AV integrators can install high-performance solutions with durable, low-maintenance components. At Applied Global, AV integrators provide ongoing support through a virtual help desk service that offers instant access to self-help information and assistance from a live customer service representative.
In the event of a severe malfunction, AV integration integrators will provide a technician dispatch for local issue resolution and new equipment. Effective AV design requires more than state-of-the-art equipment in all the right places. A well-designed AV system requires in-depth planning from start to finish for a seamless user experience every step of the way.
Implement Better AV Design with Applied Global
At Applied Global Technologies (AGT), we offer a wide range of AV solutions designed to improve workplace productivity. Our team has the tools and expertise to help your business make the most of its shared office space.
To learn more about our AV solutions, contact us today. We’ll be happy to discuss your specific needs and recommend the right solution for your business and budget.
