I just want to remind folks that there are, in fact, organizations for whom the open plan actually works. I've spent the last few years practicing XP, on a collaborative team that includes PM, UX, QA, and devs, and we work in an open plan with no complaints. We find that it REALLY helps us minimize meetings and email/Slack since we can quickly turn to the person we need, ask our question, get an answer, and get back to work. As a developer it's hugely refreshing to be able to easily ask for advice or input from the rest of the dev team in a rapid way.
The reason I mention this anecdote is not to dispute any of the studies... I understand the difference between anecdotal evidence and quantitative evidence. Just a counter-point to the inevitable echo chamber of complaints about open floor plans being inhumane, a money-grab, etc etc.
The reason I mention this anecdote is not to dispute any of the studies... I understand the difference between anecdotal evidence and quantitative evidence. Just a counter-point to the inevitable echo chamber of complaints about open floor plans being inhumane, a money-grab, etc etc.