This year has definitely thrown a spanner in the works, with amplified measures around health safety making everybody question our old ways and the driving force to change...change that we see will be here to stay especially when it comes to healthcare.

More emphasis is placed on advancing clinical technology in healthcare than on clinical design, the quality of spaces within the sector is typically overlooked. However, we are beginning to see a breakthrough that has stemmed from this year's global pandemic, resulting in new benchmarks being set for heightened quality in design. There is still more that is needed in this sector and it is time to embrace new design thinking. We can begin by taking a leaf out of the other sector's books where flexibility and wellness are at the heart of their office design process. 

The key to a successful design lies in the needs of its users both staff and clients alike. A primary focus should remain on the technical spaces to allow clinics to complete their practical tasks efficiently. However, this should not come at a cost to the physical and mental wellbeing of staff and patients. We first need to think about the emotional needs of patients and staff as a baseline to then build upon personalised branding. This will be able to determine the use of texture, colour, material and overall feel to the final design.

We believe that meeting the emotional needs of our patients through design is the future of success within healthcare design. Creating emotionally comfortable spaces that nurture are key. There are 3 main important factors:

1. Sense of Calm
Many patients are anxious before an appointment so you want to create an environment that brings them a sense of calm. Good design has the power to alter emotions, so when you step into a well-designed space you should automatically feel an emotional shift.

2. Customer Experience
The level of service is highly important when it comes to patient loyalty and satisfaction. You can create a positive experience for your patients through design, from the finer details to bespoke furniture, and more importantly, thinking outside the box to stand out from your competitors. Consistency is key here, we are creatures of habit.  

3. Safety
As mentioned above safety around health is a key driver in making permanent changes within the sector. Creating ultra-adaptable spaces with all health safety measures in place (social distancing, sensor technology, air filtration, UV sterilisation). Ensuring your patient's safety is an investment that is an absolute necessity and can easily be incorporated into the design thinking in an engaging innovative way, and as a selling tool to show your clients that you take their health very seriously.

The future lies in our people and the people that drive success in design. The question here is how to combine these 3 major factors in an aesthetic way that enhances your company's values and branding? This is where our expertise comes in along with our passion.