Spent this morning tiptapping away on the webbynet. Gave myself a headache. Went for a run. The run wasn't that good, but being outside was a tonic. Then I saw this story in The Metro about a school that's given all its pupils rainsuits; they aim to do at least half of their lessons outside within the next two years. And that's what we've all been missing. The outdoors. That's the best creative space.
I'm thinking I'm going to do more working in the park, will need to investigate ruggedising solutions for m'Mac. But I'm also thinking how interesting it would be to try and do brainstorms and stuff outside. Things to think about:
you'd have to find waterproof versions of those huge post-it notes.
you'd have to think hard about terrain. If you're going to be sticking lots of post-its up you'll be needing lots of trees. Or a hedge.
you'd have to organise your agenda around the light. Brainstorming during daylight, powerpoint presentations before dawn or during the twilight. You could do it like one of those outdoor cinema things, with everyone in deckchairs.
I like this idea. Anyone want to try some outdoor meeting/brainstorming something?
how about motion brainstorming - start at Kensington Park Gardens, walk down through to Green Park and then the posh park with the royal ducks - there they've got a cafe so refreshments and maybe even some powerpoint - then on through Victoria and Chelsea to the Old Hospital and Battersea Park - then hole up in a pub / cafe to go over everything and maybe more PP - nothing like walking in the park to envigorate the mind.
Posted by: grumblemouse | December 06, 2006 at 01:48 PM
That's the beauty of this side of the World - the weather tends to be so good you can run meetings outside most of the time.
Infact we used to do all the Smarties research in a playground in Sydney - bliss.
Trouble is, now I am spending more of my time in SE Asia, it's so bloody hot that everyone begs to go back into the sanctity of the air-conditioned, beige room.
It feels like I'm in an episode of The Office, but less funny! [Then again, it depends who is handling the research, ha!]
Posted by: Rob @ Cynic | December 06, 2006 at 01:54 PM
The great California-based designers Charles and Ray Eames often held meetings (both internal team meetings and meetings with clients) during lunchtime picnics.
Another option for outdoor meetings is http://www.conferencebike.com .
Posted by: Chris Spurgeon | December 06, 2006 at 02:42 PM
As I mentioned on my blog last week Leicester Square has gone free wifi. And they do have benches.
Anyway count me in
Posted by: here be simon | December 06, 2006 at 04:32 PM
gone will be the days or promotional stress relief balls or nail files - enter the age of the laptop umbrella! or perhaps the laptop parasol for those working in LA
Posted by: grumblemouse | December 06, 2006 at 05:24 PM
I've lost count of the number of times a walk outside has cleared my mind or solved a problem - even nipping around the corner for a pint of milk. Maybe Wordsworth was onto something...
Posted by: Mark McGuinness | December 06, 2006 at 06:56 PM
Yeah, seasonality is a problem (I'm writing this as outside it's a unwelcoming negative six degrees celsius in KC). On better days, though, I'm all about a walk around the block. I have the words "Solvitur Ambulando" on a note somewhere in my cube. Supposedly it means "the solution comes by walking," but then again, I found on the internet. It might mean something completely different.
Posted by: Bruno | December 07, 2006 at 10:27 PM