The Emergence of the Third Space in Workplace and Retail Design
When you’re not at the office and you’re not at home, where are you? The concept of a third space, introduced by sociologist Ray Oldenburg, refers to a social environment distinct from home and work, where individuals can gather, relax, and engage in meaningful interactions. These spaces, such as cafes, parks, and co-working areas, foster […]
What is the Right Approach to Remote Work for Your Financial Institution?
Remote and hybrid work environments have upended how we do business, where we work, and how we live our lives. But there’s no single approach to remote work that satisfies the needs of every organization, banking professional, and consumer. Your ideal approach to remote and hybrid work should extend to your design strategy, adapting traditional […]
Designing Next-Generation Branches: Engaging Millennials and Gen Z Consumers
Digital Integration and Seamless Experiences The dramatic shift toward digital banking has been pronounced in every age bracket, with younger generations in particular prioritizing digital services over the in-person experience. But as Millennials and Gen Z consumers age into more complex banking needs like mortgage services and business loans, financial institutions can remain competitive by […]
Designing for Accessibility: Modern and Inclusive Banking Spaces
Inclusivity and accessibility are essential elements of any public-facing design. Financial institutions recognize the importance of ensuring that their banking spaces are welcoming and accessible to all. For NewGround, a firm specializing in creating branded spaces, inclusivity goes beyond legal requirements—it’s a fundamental part of our design ethos. Why it Matters Banking customers come from […]
Transforming Financial Institutions: Navigating Change with Effective Change Management
In the dynamic landscape of financial services, change is the only constant. Evolving customer expectations, technological advancements, and regulatory demands pose significant challenges to financial institutions. Now more than ever, effective change management is an ongoing need. In this article, we will explore the role of change management in financial institutions and how it empowers […]
How Financial Institutions can Adapt to Hybrid Work Environments
As new technologies continue to reshape the way we work, many banks and financial institutions are turning to hybrid work environments to balance the benefits of remote work with the need for in-person collaboration. But adapting to this new way of working requires careful consideration of the needs of employees, clients, and physical space. At […]
Habits and Hearsay: Truths of Consumer Changes
Before 2020, consumers of all ages were already shifting their bank activity to online channels like websites and mobile applications. Public and institutional responses to the emergence of COVID-19 accelerated those trends. Many banking consumers who had been reluctant to adopt digital service channels did so during the pandemic out of necessity. Although the shift […]
Navigate the Challenges of a Network Transformation Rollout
Businesses should update their retail branches regularly to maintain their appeal to their consumers. Some updates to branches include furniture, branding, or technological upgrades. Others update their branches if they need more resources, care, or attention based on the area. In order to properly rollout a new branch network, clients should consider three key factors: […]
Growing, Consolidating, or Merging? Time for a Network Transformation
In the event that more than one branch needs to be updated, changed, or redesigned, it is considered a branch network transformation. Ideally, a financial institution would plan to have all of its branches updated within a short time period to maintain a consistent brand and public appearance. Consumers most frequently interact with your branches, […]
What Lies at the Core of Environmental Graphics?
Incorrect — Environmental graphics are graphics pertaining to the natural world, sustainability, or the environment. If you thought the definition above was correct, you’re not the only one. For many people, hearing the word “environmental” automatically makes them think of green recycling signs, sustainability initiatives, or messages relating to the earth itself. None of these […]