The big problem with open office plan is that when people form groups and talk, it becomes distraction for everyone else. You cannot expect that people always move out of the working area to have small discussions. I was working in an office where we had an open office. My team only had 3 people. We were made sit next to design team where designers formed a group and had lengthy discussions about UX. I newly joined this place and it was impossible for me to raise a voice and tell them to keep their voices low. I tried to tell them to keep their voices low but their job demanded having discussions over a topic. As a result of this I avoided writing code during office hours and only focussed on replying emails, discussions. I used to spend my important office time doing trivial tasks and browsing web and only did coding after office hours. This obviously resulted in more unhappiness over a long period of time. This also became my habit now and I can no longer focus on coding especially when I am in office because of distractions. I am only able to write code in alone after office hours at my home/office.