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If there is one essential element that transcends roles, titles, and industries in any office setting, it is a writable wall. Our exposure to this concept begins early, from observing kindergarten teachers inscribe the alphabet on a large chalkboard to witnessing college professors and project managers sketch ideas and information on a whiteboard wall. The significance of a writable surface is ingrained in our subconscious - providing a canvas for the overflow of thoughts and creativity.

Creating a designated space for brainstorming sessions is essential, but the process is not one-size-fits-all. Before delving into product options, it is crucial to consider three key points that will guide your selection process.

Flexibility: This refers to flexibility with space and the option to be moved around. Some offices require writable surfaces to go across round columns, corners, and even furniture! And in some cases, you’ll even need to move them around the room.

Readability: It’s important to consider the content and the audience when assessing what board to go with. If you’re heavy on diagrams and concept drawings, it’s best to go with white surfaces like whiteboards or dry-erase paint. Glass won’t work if the background color doesn’t contrast well, and the writing can be obscured.

Cost per Area: As with any office planning scenario, the issue of cost is bound to crop up. But before skipping to the cheapest option, evaluating your area is best. Boards come in standard sizes, while the paint is boundless. It’s best to evaluate the first two points against these and then pick an option

Let’s have a look at the options we have to work with:

Traditional Whiteboards

Traditional whiteboards are your traditional options. The frame around the board is reminiscent of classrooms and is one-dimensional in the sense that it involves one person jotting info on the board. Not very supportive of the whole collaborative movement.

To be fair, these boards provide good visibility as white backgrounds offer the best contrast for writing. But they offer no customizability when it comes to sizes, and cannot be seamlessly integrated into rooms so they blend with the overall design. They’re not flexible and are a lot more expensive for a larger area.

Glass boards 

Glass boards provide a far better experience, in terms of both design and functionality. They’re far more attractive and offer various color options and branding as well. The Frameless Magnetic glass boards present a premium design element to the workspace. They can be installed post-fit-out or even integrated into the original design, blending seamlessly into the collaborative space.

In case you're wondering what superior-quality glass boards look like, head to Clarus. When it comes to glass quality, Clarus Glass boards reign supreme. Clarity and Eras ability issues are non-existent. They produce the finest, crystal-clear glass in the market. And they're absolutely, 100% sure of their quality.

Cost-wise, glass boards can strain your budget if you’re considering larger sizes. But if aesthetics is your key driver in the decision process, you can’t go wrong here. Glass boards also lead the pack when it comes to era ability. Suspended boards can also be taken off and hung elsewhere if need be.

Dry Erase Paint 

Escreo is the new kid on the block which has been gaining market share in the writable paint segment. Making brainstorming seamless across surfaces, traditional boards are no longer a restriction to the size of your ideas or how much you choose to elaborate on a point!

The product is also available in a Clear and Magnetic version to allow for any additional flexibility to your interior space or ideation needs. One thing to be aware of with writable paints is the textured surface (orange peel effect). While it provides haptic feedback on your notes, it’s important to note that it doesn’t have the absolute flat surface a glass board would.

Seamless surfaces are amazing, however installation and maintenance are required. Make sure to have an authorized installer for your product along with using the appropriate cleaning materials to ensure your surface performs for many years.

Dry Erase Vinyl 

Dry Erase Vinyl has some of the same flexibility advantages as Paint. It can go around a column and be used in relatively tight spaces and is available in a magnetic option as well.

The product has the durability advantages of traditional writable boards and can be used in residential and commercial spaces, however does have a seam similar to writable boards. As a result it is perfectly placed between the two products from a cost perspective.

Mobile Boards

This aspect of flexibility extends beyond just having a writable surface; it encompasses the ability for that surface to adapt to various spatial constraints and requirements. In certain office settings, the need for a writable surface to seamlessly wrap around round columns, fit into corners, or integrate with existing furniture is paramount. Additionally, there may be instances where the writable surfaces need to be easily movable within a room or between rooms to accommodate different collaborative settings or activities. The versatility of these writable walls not only enhances the functionality of the workspace but also allows for dynamic and adaptable work environments that can cater to diverse needs and preferences. Look at the Theises board by Teknion, which could be used for training or learning environments! 

Writable Furniture

Flexible spaces and movable boards have also given rise to writable furniture. The ability to ideate on your current working surface has re-defined convenience in the ideation space even with the rise of digital collaboration. Furniture like the Brunner Lift active - a foldable mobile table that can be written on.

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