The global event Social Media Week hit Chicago for the first time from 9/19 – 9/23/2011 and Catalyst Ranch was in on the action! With such great local events like “Journalism in the Age of the Tweet” and “The Power of Social Media for Social Activism”, we wondered where we might fit in. But with our passion for innovation and creativity, as well as invoking conversations no one else was having, we came up with the perfect event.

Because our staff ranges from Baby Boomer to Millenial, the topic of multi-generational relationships has been one we’ve been quite intrigued by. Many of our clients can relate, not only internally, but in terms of reaching out and connecting to different demographics. Marry those needs with the vast experiential usage of the different generations and we had the perfect panel for Social Media Week.

We sought to make our panel focus-group style, where the questions and content would be driven by our Twitter fanbase. When we posed with the question “If you had a focus group of social media pros & Millennials, what would u ask to benefit you or your business?” we didn’t realize what an overwhelming response we’d receive from our Twitter followers! We had enough crowd sourced talking points for three panel discussions, but were able to focus the discussion under the lens of how Gen Y wants to be interacted with and how they take their online action offline.

Our panel could not have been more eclectic and insightful! Moderated by our own Go-to-Guy (and Social Media Strategist) Danny Bernardo, social media pros Mark J. Carter, Sue Koch, and Tim McDonald led a lively and informative discussion with our twentysomething panelists. Our twentysomethings were diverse and at varied stages of their lives. Staci Diamond, in her late-twenties, had established herself quite well in the field of marketing and communications. Neal Ryan Shaw, in his mid-twenties, is well on his way to establishing himself in the world of theatre and journalism. James Coston was fresh off of a post-college internship at Golin-Harris and utilizing social media not only for personal reasons, but in his job search. Becca Dickson, a junior marketing major at DePaul, rounded out our panel.

Our Ranch regulars who have grown accustomed to our comfy and quirky environment would have been surprised by the sleek and tech heavy set-up we’d put on for this event. It is a testament to the versatility of our space and how we can cater to the theme of any event. It was a Ranch event, however, and our handy dandy Ranch Hands set up a delicious snack service for all the attendees to enjoy, including a very fall themed candy explosion!

You can still follow the Twitter conversation that was had before, after, and during the event if you follow the hashtag #SMWcatalystranch. Our attendees were live tweeting their learnings and following up conversations with our panelists. The reactions after the event were definitely worth noting. Check out these tweets from panelists Tim and James:

Some of our attendees had some great things to say. Check out these Tweets from Kyle Akerman, Mira Lowe, Douglas Lee Miller, and Joe Cajindos:

You can also check out more pictures from the event on our Facebook page.

Thanks to the generous donation of resources and talent from the TV Department of Columbia College Chicago, we will be able to post panel excerpts in the future, so be sure to either follow us on Twitter or subscribe to your YouTube Channel. In the meantime, check out this teaser video, comprised of visitor sourced video and images!

If you would like to see another panel like this at the Ranch, leave us a comment and suggest a topic!

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Margarita Zepeda, winner of our 2011 Cubicle Makeover Contest, was sure surprised when she walked into her fresh, new colorful workspace as the Catalyst Ranch Design Team put their finishing touches on the newly made-over cubicle. The once dreary desk that doubled as an easy-access supply station for co-workers, is now fabulous colorful and completely Margarita.

Before we show you the new improved desk, take a peak at a couple of before shots below.

After being announced as the Cubicle Makeover Winner on Administrative Assistant’s Day, the Catalyst Ranch Design Team sat down with Margarita to interview her about the functionality of her desk, her interests and inspirations, and what type of design would keep her motivated and happy throughout her work day.  A member of PepsiCo’s new Global Nutrition Group, the team learned that Margarita values her Mexican heritage, loves bright colors such as red and orange, collects items that represent luck and good fortune, and appreciates the art of cooking and the value of farmers’ markets.  After our interview with her, the team set out on a mission to create a design that was colorful and incorporated nutrition and global ideas.

Catalyst Ranch Czarina, Eva Niewiadomski first found a funky Argentinean pear crate which ignited a clear direction and allowed the whole design to take off.  From vintage global fruit ads turned magnets to whimsical terrariums and Mexican good luck charms, Margarita’s cubicle truly is an extension of who she is and what she does.

(Margarita in her new cubicle.)

“I am a visual person. So color, pictures, flowers, gifts and awards motivate me.”

Everything we installed in Margarita’s cubicle is easily moveable so that she can take it with her no matter how many times she moves desks. She can also re-arrange the components as often as she likes to keep things fresh.

Whimsical terrariums spark imagination at the front of the cubicle for not only Margarita but also all her fellow co-workers passing by. Pulling inspiration from her Mexican heritage, we used good luck symbols, picture frames, art and color to turn her desk into creative inviting space. Taking vintage fruit and vegetable ads, we covered the space with inspiring fun images. View more pictures of the makeover below.

We’re thrilled that Margarita is so happy and that we’ve helped create an environment that she and others enjoy working in daily. Congratulations Margarita Zepeda! For all you dreary desk dwellers out there, check out our blog entry Cure for Cubicle Blues…. 10 great ideas to Makeover Your Workspace, and spruce up your space!

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It’s time for a cubicle makeover everyone can achieve! Considering the amount of time you spend inside it, set out to convert your workspace into a place you can look forward to and enjoy. Thinking ‘inside the box’, if you will. Not only will you feel good, but chances are your productivity will increase as well.

Here are 10 funky, easy and affordable ways to make over your cube and improve your image and outlook at work:

1.  Bring in Color with Unique Art
Adding color is the primary way you can improve your environment when you’re facing space limitations. Bring in colors to your cubicle that complements the area and your personal style.  Good color choices in promoting mental strength and health are soft blues, natural greens and bold purples.

Use Wall Decals

Hang Some Textile Art

Hang up an original print

Society6 offers a creator-driven online marketplace for affordable art. Operating on the premise that community aids commerce, Society6 is social networking at its targeted best: artists and designers can connect with other studios, sell their work directly, and even hook up with companies offering commisioned collaborations.

2. Feng Shui Your Desk
Place Yourself in a Position of Power! The placement of your desk can largely affect your well-being at work. First, be sure your desk is the right size for your daily activities. The ideal place for a desk is in the command position–the opposite corner of the entranceway, where you can face outward to see who enters your office.

If you don’t have the room to move your desk, clip a small mirror to a desk lamp or place one on your computer to help you see those entering your work space. Not knowing who is coming up behind you can create a feeling of uneasiness during your workday.

3.  Get Organized

Keep things generally neat and clean. Put any supplies or files you don’t use daily inside your desk or credenza to reduce visual distraction. Organize your current projects into files and keep them in vertical file holders on your desk.

Think outside the box, woven baskets, small trunks, suitcase and record holders are a fun, funky and functional way to organize.

4. Add Some Life

Plants brighten up any office. Not only do they project energy and life, they also soak up indoor air pollutants. In addition, they help reduce stress, increase productivity and improve attentiveness. Bring in a plant or two, but keep it low-maintenance, such as a simple stalk of lucky bamboo in some water.

5.  Brighten Up

Another item you can use to spruce up your cubicle is a small desk lamp. Better light is good for you to begin with it. Not only does it increase energy and brighten your mood, but a small desk lamp can really add some personality to your cubicle. It may not seem like your typical “cubicle decoration,” but you will be surprised at just how many small desk lamps there are out there. From brightly colored contemporary styles to classic brass or silver tones, you can find an appropriate and affordable lamp to fit any cube configuration.

6. Decorate with Fabric

Cover walls with fabric, securing it with staples or double-sided tape. You can also staple patterned fabric to a frame and hang it up in your cube like colorful wall art!

For Andrea’s cubicle (winner of our 2010 makeover) we used fabric paneling to create splashes of color.

Adding a few pillows to your space is another great way to not only cozy up but bring in some fresh inspiration.

7. Picture This

One of the best ways to add a personal touch or conversation starter to your area is with framed pictures of your family, friends or pets. Be selective with your frames. Seek out atypical objects turned into frames (ie. recycled glass bangles).

If you want a great frame, check out Artist’s Frame Service outlet sale the first Sunday of each month. Or shop around the resale & antique stores.

8. Add Soothing Accessories

Placing a small bowl of potpourri or aromatherapy petals or sachets can transform your emotions or invigorate your senses.

9. Tell Time with Style

Having a unique calendar and clock makes a world of difference.

10. Boost up the Energy

Boost up the energy and fun in your cubicle with these desk must haves…… from fun to functional, enjoy! Uncommon Goods has a great selection of office FUNctionals, check them out.

Like this python staple remover!

……or this desktop sand window

…. Love this Paperback Writer (multi-tasking scribe finishes your sentences when you’re scrambling for a piece of paper.)

Cure for the Cubicle Blues…..Change something. Anything. Bringing in a new book, a quote, photo, screensaver — any item that refreshes your space and inspires you. Another idea, add a seat pad or change the fabric on your chair backs. Better yet, be eco-conscious and get furniture from a swap or thrift shop.

Good Luck and have fun, Happy Administrative Assistant’s Day!

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Lassos, Mr. Ed and a whole lot of cowpokes made for an exciting Rip Roaring Rodeo for our 8^th Anniversary this past Monday. We told you to pull out those cowboy boots and hat for a chance to party rodeo style and that’s exactly what you did! Thanks ya’ll for making our Rip Roaring Rodeo such a huge success. There was a cow milking contest, lassos to wrangle yourself some beans, boot stomping music galore, a silent auction, a raffle, even cow pies to take home.

We also showcased the work of our many talented employees here at Catalyst Ranch during the Rodeo. Damian Fazio our Assistant Operations Manager showed off his comic and acrylic paintings with titles like “The Great Intoxication” and “Autumnal”. Gorgeous ceramic pieces were on display by Ranch Hand Kegan Kiner. His ceramic sculptures have elaborately sculpted surfaces, one piece titled 50/50 is of a split profile with half a face on two sculptures. Ranch Hand Courtney Kazmierczak brought in two paintings bursting in the colors of pink and blue done with acrylic and spray paint on canvas. Executive Administrative Assistant, Amber Bookenberger displayed a series of photographs in her Americana project showing the changing landscape of our country. Gala Girl and Client Services Manager Lauren Smith created a stunning dress from a recycled plaid shirt and cotton dress by altering the piece with tucks and folds to create interesting shapes. Our very talented Ranch Czarina, Eva Niewiadomski brought in rodeo inspired garment creations. Her piece Clementine was made in collaboration with Jessica Jane, several vintage touches with modern day flair makes this outfit “Thoroughly Modern Saloon Girl”.

Not only does our staff rock at being talented in the visual arts, we also have some amazing musically inclined individuals. Our Assistant Morning Shift Captain, Aaron Harris started off the evening playing guitar in the ChaCha. Go To Guy Danny, Miss Marketing Meredith Woolard along with our Morning Shift Captain John B. Leen wowed the crowed singing in the Tango. We also have three Ranch Hands Emmett Joseph, Ethan Joseph and Isaac Hoft, who rocked out Monday evening with their new band. Check out the pictures below for just a taste of the talent.

Painting by Damain Fazio

Cat And Books by Courtney Kazmierczak

State Route One Hundred and Sixty Three by Amber Bookenberger

Dress by Lauren Smith

Thanks to everyone for making the event a huge success and for all the donations that were collected in support of The Greater Chicago Food Depository.

Oh Tarnations, if you missed the party be sure to check out our Facebook page for a cute video that showcases many of our very talented artists working here at the Catalyst Ranch. If you would still like to make a donation to our holiday drive for the Greater Chicago Food Depository click here. A big thanks goes out to our sponsors/donors BIG DELICIOUS PLANET , FliP crepes , Flirty Cupcakes , Jackthemanabouttown , Celebration Authority , Desiree Chocolates, our guest performers Kyle Greer , the… Ray Coyle Ensemble and our talented Ranch Hands! 

And now off into the horizon…….

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Shazam! I don’t think we could ever say Shazam enough! Well shazam, is exactly what architect Clive Wilkinson did for Disney’s Headquarters in Pasadena, California. We have long been advocates for adding bright color and creative design to drab offices to create the building blocks for a stimulating work environment. Check out what Disney has done to spur innovation and creativity within their walls.

Disney’s headquarters has made it to the top of the charts for Flavorwire’s top picks in most eye catching offices. Since 1987, Disney Store has represented the Disney brand in cities and countries around the world. With approximately 350 Stores throughout Europe and North America, Disney Store delights children through interactive presentation, quality product and unique experiences bringing Disney’s most important characters and stories to life.

In 2007, Clive Wilkinson Architects converted a 7.500 square meter warehouse into the Disney Store Headquarters. The offices are built in the historic Royal Laundry Building in Pasadena, CA and feature a conference room with walls made of giant blocks. When disassembled, the blocks become seats for a 200 person auditorium.

“Clients often request space for the whole company to meet—but generally back away from taking up a whole area to do so,” Wilkinson says. At the Disney Store, he provides that option. When it’s time for all 220 staffers to get together, they can literally tear down two of the front conference room’s walls, since they’re built from huge blocks of lightweight foam in red, orange, yellow, and ocher. As the blocks spill into reception, they become seating. At meeting’s end, employees simply reverse their deconstruction. Blocks go back up, walling in a conference room for 30. Now the focus is on a CWA signature: a custom table with, yes, a surfboard-resin top in the shape of a jigsaw puzzle. From the front conference room and reception, the office’s central boulevard extends rearward. Along it, Wilkinson stacked sunny-yellow honeycomb units of rotation-molded plastic, connected by threaded aluminum rods. And how cool is the idea of 250 honeycomb units snaking around to enclose a second conference room, out back? This freestanding sculpture scales down the workplace with a fixed center point.

Plus, the components are designed for nonstop storage, planned as a one-off solution to control the Disney Store’s clutter.

A modular honeycomb structure, conceived as a flexible means of managing Disney sample product display, forms a second conference room.

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Hop, skip, jump and now splash into a new direction with offsite meetings! We know a thing or two about how much people benefit from leaving their dusty drab office by springing into a colorful innovative space. Here is an office design I would like to share with you that just rocks out with innovative design…… check out this remarkable floating office!

So why go to an office building, where one can float in all day. This is the question presented by a design company in England called H2Office. The H2Office was designed so workers could escape being cooped up in a conventional office. “We like being outdoors around water and boats. When the weather is dull it’s still great. There’s a huge picture window at the front which means even when you’re inside you still don’t feel enclosed.”

These offices are built to be located in marina slips or similar locations, bringing the soothing sensation of calm rocking and unparalleled views of your local watery habitat.  They aren’t designed to cruise through the waters themselves, but to dock in place and give a nice, productive escape from the normal rat race that comes with a 9-5 office on the town.

 Integrating a couple of desks, a fold-out bed, a lounge and a kitchenette, the floating office turns your official meeting with business delegates into an outing or picnic. H2Office can also accommodate a business meeting with its “breakout” area.  For those who work around the clock a pull-out bed and kitchenette allows for overnight stays; while the external sun deck makes a perfect spot for a quick break. Powered by 240V DC power, the H2Office can also be customized to run on wind/solar energy, while a flexible interior, air conditioning and teak flooring give it a touch of sophistication.

There is a special atmosphere around water which is very hard to explain but if you “get it” you already understand the attraction.

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Looking for a break this summer, somewhere to “vanish” for a little vacation? Well here is a hotel that literally is invisible to the surrounding forest. This hotel just recently opened a few weeks ago and looks like its straight out of a sci-fi story, the perfect place for the Jetsons if they moved into the Swedish Artic.

Located in the remote wilderness of Harads, Sweden, Treehotel offers guests a unique experience: accommodations in one-of-a-kind tree-house rooms, designed to exist in harmony with the natural environment around them. Founders Kent Lindvall and wife Britta, are particular about preserving the landscape around them.

Currently the hotel consists of five rooms, the cabin, the tree sauna, the blue cone, the nest and the mirrorcube. Two additional structures are scheduled to open in October, the UFO and a room with a view. These first structures were designed by different architects including sandell & sandberg, interior group ab, marten cyrene, inredningsgruppen and tham & videgard architects. The hope is that in five years the Treehotel will have 24 rooms each designed by 24 different architects.

The Mirrorcube

 Like the name implies, it is a large cube room with an outer surface that is entirely composed of reflective material, encompassing a single tree that runs through the middle. Treehotel owner Kent Lindvall describes that the concept behind the room is to make it appear nearly invisible in the forest. To avoid any harm to wildlife, the mirrored walls will be fitted with an infrared film visible only to birds.

 “Everything will reflect in this – the trees, the birds, the clouds, the sun, everything. So it should be invisible nearly in the forest.” – Kent Lindvall

Check out more information and pictures about all the rooms at Treehotel and the creative art blog Designboom.

The Bird’s Nest

The Tree Sauna

The Cabin

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We’ve all attended multitudes of networking events throughout our working careers. Some have been more successful than others. Sometimes it’s easy to meet people, other times it feels awkward starting a conversation with someone you’ve never met before. I think few of us have considered the full effect that the choice of venue has on how well the evening goes and if we felt it was a good investment of our time. Meetings & Conventions Magazine has scouted out some great venues to consider for your next networking event.

Renaissance Resort at World Golf Village

If none of these is located in the city in which you live, I’m sure there are options that you haven’t considered before because you automatically think of certain spots as being appropriate for this sort of event. So, take a look at these and think about what makes them appealing, why they might “work” better than others. I personally think it’s about the mood the environment conveys and whether it has the capability to break down barriers. Think about the events that you’ve gone to that have been held at private clubs. Everyone seems much more uptight and unapproachable in that sort of space.

Tribeca Grand Hotel

Hope these tips are some thought starters for those of you who spearhead these sorts of events. You’ll get lots of repeat guests and great word-of-mouth if you consider some of these elements during the critical planning phase. Let’s not forget what the purpose of the evening is – to network and foster great connections!

Catalyst Ranch

Chateau on the Lake Resort Spa & Convention Center

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I recently read a great article written by David Straker titled “Creative Workspaces” courtesy of my friends at Catch Your Limit Consulting. Thanks Tom! As you can imagine, that title hit close to home for me as the propulsive force that caused me to open Catalyst Ranch was the lack of such workspaces being available to the masses. For some reason, the majority of office workers think that only people who work at ad agencies or for graphic design firms are allowed to have a fun, creatively stimulating environment. The rest of us are supposed to be content with a cookie-cutter cubicle, white walls and grey carpeting.

I encourage you to read David’s article (which I’ve included here in its entirety) and use it as a spur to your employer to think differently about your office space or, if you are the owner or a high level executive, to really think about how so many of these suggestions could be easily (and inexpensively) incorporated into your existing space. I promise you that thinking about the physical environment more strategically will pay off in increased worker productivity.

As a quick background about David Straker, he has worked in creative fields for longer than he cares to think. He has written a number of books, including two on problem-solving and one on inventing, called “How To Invent (Almost) Anything.” David spent many years in R&D (hardware and software) where he even won a few patents for his employers. Since the 90s, he has been a business consultant and has trained people in blue-chip companies around the world.

So, now on to the article itself!

Creative Workspaces

Being creative in a dingy hovel with people shouting at you is probably not the best environment to encourage optimal creativity. In practice, you need a range of measures to help this fragile flower bloom.

The working space

Environments which are dirty, cramped, uncomfortable and noisy are not the best for encouraging creative thinking. If we can design our general working environment with care and concern

Comfort

A comfortable environment helps people forget about how uncomfortable they are and focus on the work at hand. Ergonomic chairs and desks. Good lighting. Clean and bright walls. Warm colors. Soft carpets. These and more help to create a sense of comfort. They also signal that our employers care about us, and hence motivate us further to extend ourselves in our work.

Things should not be too comfortable, however, and much creative work is done in remarkably rough surroundings. People who are too relaxed, and especially if they have too little stimulation (as below) can get lazy and demotivated.

Nature

There is a thing about natural environments that relaxes us and helps us stay happy. When we are on holidays, many of us spend much more time out of doors. Just look at the parks in city centres at lunchtime, full of people playing and dreaming.

Daylight is a key factor in keeping people positively engaged. There is a higher level of suicides in northern climes during the winter periods of limited daylight. There are some arguments that windows can have negative effects, and views out of the window can indeed be a distraction. But they can also provide sources of stimulation and relaxed moments. Better than one window is two, as described by architect Christopher Alexander, in his Pattern Language. Light from two directions reduces shadows. Further, if you can get it, a glass roof floods the room with natural light (and also removes the ‘distraction’ of outside views).

Plants can help as well. Having greenery around the office does more than remove some of the carbon dioxide. They break up the straight lines, stimulating our eyes. They also remind us of being outside and help to create a more natural environment. Buildings without plants in them appear cold and sterile, and encourage thinking to match.

Stimulation

As humans, we all need a certain amount of stimulation, and the environment can help to provide this. If our minds are kept active and fit then they will be ready to be called on when we need creative thought.

One thing that keeps our minds stimulated and busy is difference. Rather than straight lines, same colors and same desks everywhere, break things up with different color schemes, curves and texture changes. A well-designed building is both easily navigable and subconsciously stimulating.

Another stimulation can be found in pictures and photographs. Rather than vague ‘corporate art’ (which is still better than blank walls), curious and challenging pictures help to make people think a little further. Changing the pictures is important too. The same face on the wall month in and month out is soon ignored.

The thinking room

A thinking room is a place which is deliberately designed to encourage people to think, and the comments above apply even more so to this space.

A different place

One way of relaxing people and helping them to think differently is to create an environment that is more like home than work. Armchairs, low tables, bowls of fruit, carpets. Even mock fireplaces and window frames can all say ‘think differently here!’

If you can, a series of different places can provide variation to keep the mind going as it becomes accustomed to the same environment. You can have a playroom with bean bags, a hunting lodge, a ‘white room’ where you can scribble on the walls, and so on.

Provide appropriate drinks and food. Coffee, tea, juice, water. Alcohol may or may not be appropriate. Food at any time as well as appropriate times. Generally try to avoid heavy food: fruit and light nibbles are good. A kitchen where people can make their own food (and also gather and chat) is helpful.

Random stimulation

Include materials that can be used for random stimulation, either deliberately or accidentally.

• Magazines: a very mixed set of journals, from trade journals to children’s comics to gossip rags. Even magazines that may be somewhat controversial – though it’s probably best to stop this side of offensive (your culture will dictate this).
• Newspapers: Local, national and international newspapers. Include tabloids as well as the more serious press.
• Books: An assortment of books, including books on creativity, politics, art.
• Pictures: Stimulating paintings on the walls or other surfaces.
• Games: To play in breaks and incubation periods.
• Music: Some people find music helpful. You can play it loud to create introductory stimulation. You can play it softly in the background. Natural sounds, such as of the sea or of birds singing, can be particularly helpful.
• Writing: Paper of all sizes, from notes to flipchart and rolls of brown paper. Post-it Notes of all different sizes. White-boards too (best is full-wall whiteboard). Magnetic whiteboards allow things to be tacked on with magnets. Pens and pencils to suit. All different types and sizes. Including children’s felt-tips and wax crayons. Also include paints.
• Recording kit: If it works for you, then being able to video-record your creative sessions may help to capture the mood and the thinking. Videos can also be used to create scenarios of situations you want to engender further afield.
• Audio recording: Audio recording can also be used, especially if you are ‘just talking’.

Recording materials

Tools and materials

There are many tools and materials you can put into thinking spaces that can be used to enhance the creative environment. Some of these include:

• Computers: Internet access, intranet access, programs for drawing and writing. Also include a variety of games.
• Modeling materials: These can be used for random doodling or more focused modeling exercises. You can provide children’s modeling clay (and sculpting tools), wood (balsa is good), wire, pins, clips, glue, nails and so on. A toolkit for cutting, grabbing, bending, hammering can also be helpful.

Your own space

Outside of the working environment, you can create your own space at home or wherever you have some private space. Many authors and artists have cozy hideaways where they keep their creative kit always out and ready.

This space can be customized in any way you please. The above discussion can help and you can also invent and experiment further. Try different furnishings, different colors, different stimulations. And then use what works.

To see this article (and find other creative tips), check out David’s website creatingminds.org. http://creatingminds.org/articles/creative_workspaces.htm

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