Laboratory Design – The Psychology of Scientific Performance

How Laboratory Environments Influence Focus and Performance

When people think about scientific innovation, they usually picture the individuals behind the discoveries — researchers analysing data, scientists working late into the evening or engineers developing new technologies.

What is often overlooked is the environment where this work takes place.

In commercial laboratories, the workspace itself plays a significant role in how teams operate. Laboratory design can influence concentration, workflow, collaboration, safety and even problem-solving performance.

At Klick, we understand that laboratories are far more than technical spaces filled with equipment. They are environments designed around people — and the quality of those environments can directly affect how effectively scientific teams work.

“Structure doesn’t restrict innovation — it creates the conditions for it.”

Why Laboratory Design and Layouts Matter

Modern laboratories are carefully planned around workflow and functionality. Different activities require different environments, whether that involves:

A well-planned laboratory layout improves operational efficiency, but it also supports how people think and behave within the space.

Research into workplace psychology suggests that environments influence concentration, communication and decision-making. Clear zoning and intuitive layouts help reduce cognitive overload and create more focused, productive working environments.

In busy commercial laboratories, this can support:

The most effective laboratory environments quietly guide people through the space without them even noticing.

Precision Science Requires Precision Environments

One of the most famous scientific images ever produced was Photo 51 — Rosalind Franklin’s X-ray diffraction image that helped unlock the structure of DNA.

Franklin’s work relied not only on expertise and technical skill, but also on highly controlled laboratory conditions and specialist imaging environments.
Images of Franklin’s laboratory spaces at Birkbeck and King’s College London demonstrate how important organisation, workflow and technical precision were to the scientific process.

The principle remains highly relevant today. Whether in pharmaceutical, healthcare, industrial or research laboratories, the surrounding environment can significantly influence accuracy, consistency and concentration.

Laboratory Design Has Evolved Beyond Pure Function

Historically, many laboratories were designed almost entirely around practicality — white walls, uniform surfaces and highly clinical interiors.

Today, commercial laboratory environments are evolving.

Modern facilities increasingly incorporate:

This shift is not simply about aesthetics.

Studies into workplace psychology suggest that colour, lighting and materials can affect:

For laboratory professionals spending long hours in technical environments, these factors matter.

Well-designed spaces help create calmer, more comfortable environments that support sustained focus and high-performance working.

How Laboratory Furniture Design Influences Behaviour

Laboratory furniture does more than support equipment — it shapes how people interact with the space around them.
Subtle design decisions can influence behaviour every day:

Effective lab design is often about removing friction from the working day.

When workspaces feel intuitive and organised, teams can focus more fully on scientific work rather than navigating operational obstacles.

Designing Research Labs for Performance and Adaptability

Research laboratories often require highly specialised environments that balance technical functionality with flexibility and long-term usability.

Effective research lab design may involve consideration of:

Well-designed laboratory furniture can also significantly improve operational efficiency. Carefully positioned utilities, organised storage and adaptable layouts help support smoother day-to-day workflow and reduce disruption.

Flexibility has become increasingly important in modern scientific environments. Many commercial laboratories now require spaces that can evolve alongside changing technologies, research priorities and team structures.

Features such as:

Have the effect of allowing laboratories to evolve without requiring complete redesign every time operational needs change.

Clients have benefitted from Klick Technology’s flexible approach to laboratory fit-out projects which has the advantage of providing a facility that can adapt to changes in operational needs.

Bell Laboratories and the Power of Collaborative Spaces

Bell Labs remains one of the most influential research organisations in history, contributing to developments including the transistor and advances in telecommunications.

Part of Bell Labs’ success came from the way its buildings were designed.

Today, these would be described as breakout or collaboration spaces — areas intentionally designed to encourage communication and the sharing of ideas.

Innovation often happens during spontaneous conversations and informal collaboration just as much as through structured meetings.

The principle remains highly relevant in modern commercial laboratories where interdisciplinary working and knowledge sharing are increasingly important.

Laboratory Safety Starts With Good Design Principles

Safety in laboratories is not only about PPE, procedures or signage. It is also influenced by how intuitive and functional the environment feels to use.

Good lab design supports safer behaviour through:

When spaces feel organised and predictable, people naturally work more confidently and safely.

This is particularly important within live operational laboratories where workflow efficiency and compliance requirements must work alongside day-to-day operational pressures.

Medical and healthcare laboratory environments introduce additional design considerations due to the importance of:

When designing medical laboratory furniture solutions careful planning can help reduce unnecessary movement between preparation, testing and administration areas — supporting both efficiency and staff wellbeing.

Real-World Laboratory Design: Biofortuna Ltd, Deeside

A good example of how laboratory environments can support workflow and operational performance is Klick Technology’s laboratory construction and installation project for Biofortuna in Deeside.

Biofortuna operates within the healthcare and diagnostics sector, where laboratory environments must balance:

The project involved the creation of specialist laboratory spaces designed around the operational requirements of the client and the day-to-day needs of laboratory users.

Key considerations included:

As with many modern laboratory environments, the project demonstrated that successful lab design is not simply about fitting equipment into a room. The environment itself becomes part of the operational process — supporting how people move, communicate, focus and work within the space.

Click here for full case study details

Why Creativity and Innovation Depend on Structured Design

There is a common assumption that innovation thrives in chaotic environments. In reality, research often suggests the opposite.
Well-organised spaces reduce unnecessary distractions and allow teams to focus more effectively on:

Reliable environments create the stability needed for creative thinking.

Designing Laboratory Spaces Around Scientist’s Needs

At Klick Technology, we believe successful lab design starts with understanding how people use a space.

Whether delivering laboratory refurbishment projects, fit-outs or specialist laboratory furniture solutions, thoughtful planning around:

Klick Technology delivers laboratory refurbishment and fit-out solutions designed around workflow, collaboration, durability and long-term flexibility.

From research laboratories and innovation spaces through to healthcare and specialist scientific environments, we work closely with clients to create practical, high-performing laboratory spaces tailored to operational needs.

If you are planning to update your laboratory design feel free to get in touch by email or call 0161 998 9726 if you have a project you would like to discuss.

Thanks Clare Whitehurst

Further Reading

The Francis Crick Institute – Lab Design & Collaboration

Royal Society – Science and the Working Environment

Related sources:

Rosalind Franklin’s laboratory at Birkbeck College 

Photo 51 — Rosalind Franklin

Bell Labs scientists at Murray Hill

Bell Labs cafeteria sunroom