A little help from our friends!
One of the best things about facilitating this ongoing series of articles focusing on design has been the great feedback one gets from readers!
So, right at the beginning of this piece, I’m extending my “Thanks!” to those of you who take the time to contact me with your impressions, criticisms, appreciation and suggestions!
I recently received a thoughtful email from a reader with observations and suggestions with which, I am sure, many of us can relate.
My reader wrote: “In my opinion every waiting room in every hospital/ clinic, doctor’s/dentist’s office, or anywhere you are forced to fill out forms, should have a built in desk or two (depending on how busy the office is) where a person can sit down comfortably and write. I am tired of trying to balance a clipboard on my knee while writing or checking information from my wallet or other sources. This is nothing more than common sense. What do you think?”
The challenge represented by this observation is the type that every design team confronts in the planning stages of each project. Much comes onto the table for consideration. For every issue, there are budgeting factors, space limitations, the specifics for delivering the product or service, per se, and reasonable accommodation for all activities involved. Sometimes, the client and the designer must make hard choices in prioritizing what’s possible, reasonable and affordable. We don’t always agree.
That said, my reader’s concern is absolutely on target when looking at consideration for patients, customers or clients in any reception area where paper work is required!
Many accommodations continually come into the planning process that too often are considered “options” rather than “necessities!” It depends on the point of view. Just a few examples of current frequently requested conveniences are: umbrella stands in rainy weather; safe places to park bicycles; recharging stations for cell phones; calculators in banks on courtesy desks. To some, these may seem like small issues, but they are important when the need arises!
At the heart of such considerations is the simple issue of priorities. Ultimately, any design team has to concede to the decisions of their client. We recommend what we know the consumer really appreciates. Unfortunately, it does not always get included. One of the best ways to make some of these things happen is to let your medical office, bank, or other enterprise know what you would appreciate.
We apply as much pressure as we can in the project construction process to encourage our clients to include simple conveniences for their consumers. It has a lot to do with positive marketing on the part of the business. (And, it is easier and less costly to include such modifications at the front end rather than retrofitting later!)
The issue of accommodating persons with handicaps took a long time to finally be a broadly mandated consideration. Now, many changes have been made to simplify navigation and function in public places for folks with limitations. I think my reader’s suggestion (as well as some of the other desirable conveniences mentioned above) falls in the same category of courtesy and thoughtful convenience. I agree that most of it is just common sense!