How Does A Functional Waiting Room Work?
A waiting room can be essential for a whole host of businesses, and it’s not just your doctor’s office that will benefit from this either. With a little care and consideration, you can make your revolving appointments feel less frustrating to wait for. Or, you can welcome customers and their families with more confidence. For example, having a space for the kids to sit while your car dealership representative talks to their parents and sells them a family car is only good manners, and can prevent such clients from taking their business elsewhere.
Does that mean every business requires a play space or somewhere to occupy little ones? Not at all, but we all need occupying here and there, and it’s nice to provide accommodations. In this post then, we’ll discuss some of the most constituent elements of waiting room design.
Confident Seating & Sight Lines
Most people appreciate being able to see what’s going on around them while they wait, not sequestered into a tiny room where they feel like they’re being processed at airport security after triggering some kind of alarm. For example, chairs arranged in small groups rather than long rows help people feel more at ease, especially if they’ve come with family or friends. A mix of single seats and small sofas gives people options, as some like to spread out with a magazine while others prefer to sit close to their companions. A Grey Color Sofa at CFS Store could be a good example. The receptionist should be able to see everyone too, which helps things run smoothly when it’s time to call someone through or to help guests feel like they’re still welcome and understood to be present.
Clear Security Limitations
Security doesn’t have to feel imposing for it to work well. If you just have clear signs for fire exits and keep walkways open, the correct route of travel will generally make sense to everyone. Most people actually feel more comfortable when they can see a security camera or two , because it’s reassuring to know someone’s keeping an eye on things. Glass panels between areas can work nicely too, especially in open offices or places near staff areas, as it lets in natural light while keeping different spaces separate, without feeling like we’re being watched by the entire workplace as a visitor.
A Ticketing System
If you have many guests, it can be worthwhile to hand them numbers as nobody enjoys that moment of wondering if they’ve been forgotten about. A simple ticket system then, even just a paper ticket from a dispenser, lets people relax knowing their turn will come, or that they’ll be seen even if others are called before them. Some places use screens to show who’s next and that might apply to you quite readily, but you might just stick to calling out numbers or names. Either way works fine as long as everyone can understand what’s happening and that if they have an assignment, they can rest easy. The main thing is that people know roughly how long they might be waiting, as it helps them plan their time better.
With this advice, you’re sure to nail your functional waiting room design.
