Although being stuck in a hospital is no treat, the new Royal Hospital for Sick Children in Glasgow has a number of stations in waiting room areas to make the experience more enjoyable for hospitalized children.
In collaboration with the Glasgow Science Centre, the hospital created music-playing tables, graffiti walls, marble mazes, touchscreen coloring books and ceiling that's lined with fiber optic lights. One of the most impressive stations is a screen where kids can see their own image appear in a story as it unfolds. On top of being purely enjoyable, these stations also promote skill-building in kids as well.
Although it's of the utmost importance for hospital rooms to be functional, introducing elements of play into the design of a physical space helps to give relief to tired parents and anxious children as they go through stressful situations.
Key Themes Behind This Trend
- Interactive Waiting Room Stations
- The trend of incorporating interactive stations in waiting rooms provides entertainment and skill-building opportunities for hospitalized children.
- Integration of Technology in Hospital Design
- The trend of integrating technology like touchscreen coloring books and music-playing tables in hospital design enhances patient experience and promotes creativity.
- Emphasis on Playful Healing Environments
- The trend of creating playful healing environments in hospitals, illustrated by graffiti walls and marble mazes, helps alleviate stress and anxiety for children and parents.
Where This Applies
- Healthcare
- The healthcare industry can explore innovative solutions like interactive waiting room stations to enhance patient experience and well-being.
- Hospitality
- The hospitality industry can draw inspiration from the integration of technology and playful environments to create engaging and entertaining spaces for guests.
- Education
- The education industry can leverage interactive elements in physical spaces, like touchscreen coloring books, to promote creativity and learning in children.
