Design is something which permeates our everyday. It is in the toothbrush we use, the mouse on our desk, the clothes that we wear. In The Homeworker magazine, Design Issue, we take the theme of design and explore it from many different angles, each with a view to helping you work and live better.
The phrase: Build It, But Will They Come? is a take-off from the film, Field of Dreams. It stems from our feature piece on the modern post-pandmic workplace, which you can read more of below.
The cover I created from abstract graphic images from Ukrainian artist, Ivan Kamzyst. We interview him inside this issue and learn more about his work and inspirations.
Designing your day
I was delighted to interview award-winning life coach and author of Energize, Simon Alexander Ong. You can read more about his book in our recommended reading. We also focused on how we can maximise our energy by designing our day.
The concept of designing your day is an effective way to start building in productive habits that prevent you from wasting time, from having to make repetitive, trivial decisions. Simon’s insights are the inspiration we all need to start living a more energetic life!
Mindset coach and NLP practitioner, Ekaterina Ward also takes us through crafting the life we want by embracing the whole journey. We all have struggles and challenges but by honouring those, we come to love the journey we are all on and the ‘masterpiece’ we are creating. A reassuring read that will encourage you to do some personal reflection.
Workplace Design
Interviewing an expert panel for our feature article on workplace design was another highlight.
With Nick Cannnons, Of Esse Agency, Lee Chambers of Essentialise, clinical psychologist Dr Stephanie Fitzgerald and tech expert, Rob Smith of Podia.work, this was a fascinating round table discussion.
This in-depth pieces looks at the trends coming out of the pandemic that are affecting how the office is being designed with hybrid in mind. It covers everything from the technology to equality, the layout to the facilities. Take a read if you want to learn more on how the homeworker is the new competitor for organisations.
Design Thinking
Callum Morley, of The Prestbury Advisory consultancy spoke to The Homeworker about Design Thinking. Usually a process for software developers, he explains how Covid has made us all more open to this way of problem solving. If you’re interested in the Design Thinking concept and how you can apply design thinking to your business, this is an interesting read.
On the subject of creative thinking, writer, Claire Winter has also shared some useful tips for helping you connect with your creativity through nature.
Wellbeing
Our health and wellbeing pages are an important feature in every issue as we truly believe we need to live healthy lives in order to lead productive lives and be the best versions of ourselves.
This is reflective throughout many of the articles. In particular, we have a piece on visual meditation – ideal for homeworkers – and something you can do as a short break in your workspace. We also speak with Natasha Bowman, a US workplace consultant on how to speak up about mental health challenges in a remote workplace. We test out the new workout craze – EMS training. And for fun, ready for the warmer weather, we include some delicious and nutritious smoothie recipes.
Make sure you subscribe to read the full issue and each quarterly issue.