You’re in the doctor’s office waiting room. It is some version of beige. There’s art on the wall that may have to do with the doctor’s practice, or maybe it’s a framed poster of a landscape. The TV is on either a news channel or a talk show.
The environment isn’t bad, but it’s not comfortable. There’s nothing particularly offensive; neither is there anything to make you feel relaxed. It’s almost like the room gives you low level stress because it’s so bland.
Wouldn’t you prefer to feel welcomed when you walk into the doctor’s office? Would it be impossible to feel that way? Of course not-- it’s because no one has made the effort. This is such an easy example, such low hanging fruit.
The wall color doesn’t have to be institutional beige. The lighting could be warm white, instead of harsh fluorescent daylight. How about artwork on the wall that feels current, deliberate, instead of something from the last century. Perhaps the magazines are arranged in a thoughtful way instead of strewn around the side tables. Something I’d really love is a box of normal (not institutional sandpaper) tissues. This newly imagined waiting room is easing my mind already!
Consider this— ‘design’ is not always something you can point to. It’s sometimes not a thing, it’s an action. You can broaden the idea of a welcoming environment-- consider the experience you have when you’re calling the doctor’s office. Is there generic hold music and a rushed, and a slightly annoyed receptionist booking your appointment?
Could we tweak it just a little so the music isn’t tinny and abrasive? What if office staff are reminded-- ‘we want everyone to feel cared for, including patients who call for appointments?’
Design is about what the users want and need. Everyone, including the office staff, doctors and nurses, and patients, need to be considered when we think about what’s best. If we do, think of how much happier we all could be!
I’ll bet you’d like to soothe the rough patches in your environment. Let’s talk about it! Try me.