Best Practices

Global Best Practices and Protocols

Typical and Nominal Workstations Dimensions

All Global Locations: 30 x 60 inches (76.2 x 152.4 cm)
or a minimum of (24  x 48 inches (60.96 x 121.92 cm)
*check local codes minimum dimensions

Workstation Parameters

Ology or Migration or Flex height adjustable desks are interchangeable depending on individual country. Seek advice from local Steelcase Representative.

  • Corporate Health & Safety requires ANSI BIFMA compliance on height adjustable desks. Exceptions require the approval from IBM / GRE Global Workplace Solutions lead.
  • Maximum Panel and Workstation Screen Heights: 42 inches (107 cm)
  • Worksurface finishes should be light  – clear oak wood laminate preferred.
  • Workstation fabric screens in light tones of gray – Grade 1-3 preferred to keep costs low (see IBM color palette)
  • Workstation panel trim/base finishes in gray or dark (Steelcase finish called “Merle”)
  • Laminate Gallery panels at end of workstation runs are optional and in either white laminate (or clear oak laminate to match worksurfaces); LATAM prefers a white laminate gallery panel
  • Any Steelcase monitor arm may be used as needed; “CF Series” single or dual monitor arms have been used in many large installations in Americas.
  • Other workstation tools may be used – optional as needed
  • “Active Touch” controller on HA desk preferred over a “simple touch” : Active Touch pairs Bluetooth with Steelcase “RISE” App: save preferred sit/stand preferences and (privately) track your sit/stand time throughout day for Health
  • Desktop power unit varies by individual country codes: generally: two usb, two plug ins; seek advice from IBM regional leads

Task Seating

  • Any approved Task Chair on this site may be selected: Amia Task is preferred in NAM;
  • Workstation Task chairs to be in dark base finish, and fabric to be graphite/dark gray (pure black not preferred) preferred); grade 1-2 fabrics preferred for cost

Filing

  • Lockers to use digital locks or keyed locks or follow IBM security protocols for country as needed
  • Steelcase “Elective Elements” Locker dimensions optional and vary by project requirement. IBM team to specify as needed; see gray/white/black laminate fronts as preferred design
  • Lateral Filing Bank dimensions specified to suit project need; option for integrated trash/recycling: seek advice from Steelcase representative; white metal with light wood lam surrounds preferred

Ancillary and Meeting Room Furniture & Accessories

  • Any Steelcase family of products to be selected based on project budget, lead times or other project requirements; Steelcase to provide guidance
  • See Recent Projects for different applications of furniture

Materials and Finishes

Intent and Inspiration: Our color palette expands on our unique aesthetic and represents a contemporary and everchanging IBM. Balancing mankind and machine, the colors are harmonious with nature, yet chosen for their luminous quality and should be grounded with the white and gray tones within the IBM workplace environment. This approach allows the accent colors to have vibrancy and purpose and creates impactful moments throughout the environment.

Blue at the Core: A vibrant set of blues is the centerpoint of the color palette. When combined with the simplicity of black and white, a refreshing and unique look emerges for IBM.

Color Palette: The full palette extends from the blue family to the edges of the blue spectrum—even the reds contain a hint of blue. The resulting palette is a set of colors that portrays a singular IBM.

Grays: Having multiple gray families gives each design the opportunity for nuance and meaningful moments of color. Each experience should be dominated by the grays and the core colors (black, white, and the blue family), allowing the other color families to have vibrancy and provide purpose.

Color Families: The color palette has been organized into four distinct 4-Color families, each containing the IBM core blue. When creating color groups for your particular usage and application, you may combine any of the colors within these families. When fewer colors are required, you may further subdivide.

Color

Accent Colors: Other accent colors are used sparingly and purposefully to add visual interest. Accent colors should be pulled from the approved IBM brand color palette. Accent colors can be adjusted to reflect local and cultural influence. However, blue should always be the dominant accent color.

Applications: Color can be used on accent walls and feature elements, upholstery and wall coverings. Blue should be used primarily to emphasize architecturally significant elements throughout the space like feature walls. Blue can also be present in upholstery and details.

Regional Global Real Estate Lead

For additional guidance contact your Regional Global Real Estate Lead here.

Approved IBM 4-Color Family Palettes
To see more possible color combinations and further information, teams should visit: https://www.ibm.com/design/language/

Do not mix greens with reds, magentas or purples.

Do not mix teals with reds or magentas.