Officely Open: Why We Chose to Skip Interactive Maps in our App

Why Officely Skipped Interactive Maps for Desk Booking

Officely chose not to include interactive maps in its desk booking software to prioritize ease of use and adoption.

• What we decided: No interactive floor maps in our desk booking app.
• Why it matters: Too many clicks discourage adoption and make desk booking feel like a chore.
• Key benefit: A simpler, faster booking process integrated into Slack and Microsoft Teams.
• Core principle: Reducing friction leads to higher engagement and better workspace management.
• Who it’s for: Teams seeking a hassle-free, intuitive desk booking experience.

Adding an interactive floor map into our desk booking software is something we decided against early on at Officely. We know it is a controversial decision but let us explain why we think this is actually a good thing.

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The real challenge: getting everyone on board

One of the toughest parts about deploying any new desk booking software is making sure people actually use it. We've learned that the secret sauce is integrating the software into tools your team already loves, like Microsoft Teams or Slack. Plus, the fewer clicks it takes to book a desk, the better.

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More Clicks, More Problems

Here's the deal: adding an interactive map sounds cool, right? But in reality, it doubles or even triples the number of clicks needed to book a desk. More clicks mean more frustration. When booking a desk feels like a chore, people are less likely to use the software. And then you're stuck constantly reminding your team to book their desks.

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A Smarter Approach

So, we've made an intentional decision to keep things simple. No interactive maps. Instead, we've focused on making our desk booking software seamless and super easy to use. This way, your team can book a desk quickly and get on with their day.

We believe in practical solutions that work. And in this case, simplicity wins. We're committed to making your desk booking experience as smooth and efficient as possible.

Thanks for understanding! If you have any questions or feedback, we're all ears.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why doesn’t Officely have an interactive floor map?

We intentionally decided against interactive maps to keep the desk booking process as simple and seamless as possible. Maps add unnecessary steps, making it harder for teams to adopt the software.

2. Wouldn’t an interactive map make desk booking easier?

Not necessarily. While maps seem helpful, they actually increase the number of clicks and make the booking process feel like a chore. A simpler, faster booking system ensures higher adoption and ease of use.

3. How does Officely make desk booking easier without maps?

Officely integrates directly with tools your team already uses, like Microsoft Teams and Slack. This way, employees can book desks with minimal effort—without having to open another app or navigate through complex maps.

4. How do employees know where they’re sitting without a map?

Instead of a visual map, Officely provides a clear and intuitive desk selection process. Employees can see which desks are available, reserve one easily, and know exactly where they’ll be sitting without unnecessary complexity.

5. Does skipping maps affect workplace collaboration?

Not at all. In fact, making desk booking faster and more accessible encourages more people to actually use the system, ensuring that teams can plan office days together and collaborate more effectively.

6. What if our office layout changes—how will employees find their desks?

Since Officely prioritizes simplicity, you can update desk availability and assignments without having to rework an entire interactive map. This keeps the system flexible and easy to manage.

7. Will Officely ever add an interactive map option?

For now, we’re committed to simplicity because it leads to better adoption and a smoother experience. However, we always welcome feedback and are open to exploring new ways to improve the user experience.