Changing the Waiting Experience
If you have ever been in a waiting room of a healthcare facility, you know that it is not a very pleasant experience. It is usually just a bland, beige room with no windows, uncomfortable chairs, and old magazines. But what if it didn't have to be that way? What if you could enjoy yourself while you wait for the doctor and maybe even learn something new.
Additionally, one of the greatest stress relievers is access to nature. Because of this, the primary focus of the EcoLax design was to immerse patients and their families in an environment that makes them forget they are at a healthcare facility. By creating an atmosphere similar to that of a public park, patients and their families can be distracted by the beautiful sights and sounds of nature instead of waiting for a diagnosis or treatment in stressful silence.
For those families who have a member with a mental or behavioral health (MBH) issue, the stress of the waiting room is multiplied greatly, given the fact that there is very little known about MBH problems, their effects, and how they are treated. To combat this, a small library section was added to help families educate themselves on MBH while their family member is being treated. Should they require assistance, a member of the facility staff would be acting like a "librarian" to help these families with any concerns they may have.
Prototype (left) and Final Rendering (right)
Research and Design Opportunities
