# Interactive Hospital Walls These Waiting Room Walls Now Entertain Hospitalized Children in the UK By Laura McQuarrie | Published 2015-06-10 | Life-Stages Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hospitalized-children References: [eveningtimes](http://www.eveningtimes.co.uk/news/the3-children-who-star-in-their-own-cartoon-208824n.127726753) & [nhslothian.scot.nhs.uk](http://www.nhslothian.scot.nhs.uk/GoingToHospital/Locations/RHSC/Pages/default.aspx) Although being stuck in a hospital is no treat, the new [Royal Hospital for Sick Children](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/benjamin-royal-sonesta) 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](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/doodleface) 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. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 3.3/10 - Popularity: 46% | Activity: 46% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Gen Alpha - Top markets: Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Life-Stages](https://www.trendhunter.com/life-stages) > [Youth](https://www.trendhunter.com/youth) ## Key Themes ### 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. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Mural-Adorned Pediatric Clinics](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/odessa-brown-childrens-clinic.md) - [Interactive Creativity Home Displays](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/doodle-interactive-wall.md) - [Raindrop-Inspired Hospital Installations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hospital-installation.md) - [Town-Like Children's Hospital](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/herzog-de-meuron.md) - [Healing VR Experiences](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/healing-vr-experiences.md) - [Large Winter Garden Hospitals](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/midland-metropolitan-university-hospital.md) - [Hospital Entertainment Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/project-courage.md) - [Playful Medical Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/zoobree-nebulizer.md) - [Design-Conscious Baby Incubators](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/concept-incubator.md)