CATEGORY AUSTRALASIAN DENTIST 117 Think back to a time when you visited a tired, drab dental practice as a patient. Evenworse, maybe youworked in one! How did you feel? Compare that feeling with an experience at a smart, modern practice, and you will appreciate how the interior design affects us emotionally. Dental practice design and fit-out company Evoke Projects looks at how design impacts the emotional journey for patients and staff. For patients, the design of your dental practice cannurture and soothe, supporting mental health during times that are often filled with anxiety. For dentists, hygienists, technicians, assistants and administration staff, the emotional connection to your practice will either make them loyal or tempted by the myriad of job vacancies in 2022. It’s more important than ever before to create a positive patient and employee experience. Three levels of emotional connection to design Looking at general human behaviour, we can learn a thing or two from design school Interaction Design Foundation.1 They write that designers should try to reach people on three cognitive levels to evoke a positive user experience: u Visceral – Users’ gut reactions to or their first impressions of your design. u Behavioural – Users subconsciously evaluate how your design helps them achieve goals, and how easily. They should feel satisfied that they’re in control, with minimum effort required. u Reflective – After they encounter your design, users will consciously judge its performance and benefits, including value for money. If they’re happy, they’ll keep using it, form emotional bonds with it and tell their friends. So how can we translate this insight into strategies and tips for your dental practice design? 1. Generate a visceral ‘gut’ reaction That initial ‘gut’ reaction to your interior design will be felt by both patients and staff. u Sounds and smells – Dental work may generate sounds and smells that can be sensed from the waiting area and throughout the practice. Sound absorbing wall and floor materials plus good air filtration will be essential. u Natural materials – Natural materials and textures are welcoming and calming, contributing to a positive first impression. Bamboo and copper are both hygienic and environmentally friendly; bamboo contains a natural antimicrobial agent called bamboo kun. Natural wood cabinetry will add warmth and homeliness to a treatment room. u Colour and imagery – Artwork that features nature and nature-resembling colours such as green and blue are perfect for dental practices. u Light – Natural daylight is always welcome and counteracts the necessary sterility of the dental space. u Waiting roomfurniture– Aimforhomely looking furniture with upholstered chairs rather than stark vinyl. For counters and tables, curves are easier to clean than angles. Neurologically, we also prefer curved lines rather than straight lines. 2. Create a behavioural reaction to your design u Patients – Patients will subconsciously evaluate the design and flow of your practice. Did they find their way around easily? Were they comfortable and COVID-safe? Did they feel adequately shielded or reassured about safety during dental X-rays? A pleasant and relaxing experience will promote a positive behavioural cognitive response, which will encourage them next time they have a dental appointment. u Staff – For staff, a healthcare design that considers WELL Building StandardTM guidelines will support day-to-day wellbeing and work practices. The WELL Standard is based around ten concepts: Air, Water, Nourishment, Light, Movement, Thermal Comfort, Sound, Materials, Mind and Community.2 ‘Lean’ healthcare fit-out design will improve efficiency andmake staff feel more in control. Lean workplace methodologies aim to minimise waste in processes and procedures, which makes for a more efficient, profitable and happier workplace. For example, standardised treatment rooms mean that dental staff know where to find everything and re-stocking supplies is efficient. 3. Leave a lasting impression Both staff and patients will reflect on their experience with your dental practice. For patients, a positive experience will make them more likely to keep future appointments and maintain continuity of care for a better outcome. For dental staff, an interior design that supports well-being and workflow will create loyalty to your practice, helping you to retain your best talent. u For dental practice design and fit-out ideas that create an emotional connection, call Evoke Projects on 1300 720 692. References 1. https://www.interaction-design.org/literature/ topics/emotional-design 2. https://www.wellcertified.com/ Create an emotional connection withdesign SURGERY DESIGN & FI OUTS
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