How can you design commercial spaces that are welcoming to users?

1 Understand your users

The first step to design welcoming commercial spaces is to understand who your users are, what they need, and what they expect. You can use various methods to research your target audience, such as surveys, interviews, observations, or personas. By knowing your users' preferences, pain points, and motivations, you can tailor your design to meet their requirements and exceed their expectations.

2 Define your purpose

The second step to design welcoming commercial spaces is to define the purpose and function of your space. What do you want to achieve with your design? What kind of activities, interactions, or emotions do you want to facilitate or evoke? How do you want to communicate your brand identity and values? By clarifying your purpose, you can align your design with your business goals and create a coherent and consistent message.

3 Apply design principles

The third step to design welcoming commercial spaces is to apply some basic design principles that can enhance the user experience and satisfaction. For example, you can create balance by distributing visual weight and elements evenly. Contrast can be achieved by using different colors, shapes, textures, or sizes. You can also create rhythm by repeating or alternating elements or patterns. Emphasis is created by highlighting important or distinctive elements, while unity is established through similar or complementary elements.

4 Consider human factors

The fourth step to design welcoming commercial spaces is to consider the human factors that can affect the user's comfort, safety, and well-being. Ergonomics should be taken into account when designing furniture, fixtures, and equipment to ensure they are suitable for the user's size, posture, and movement. Additionally, accessibility should be a priority when designing spaces so that they are easy to access and use for people with different abilities and needs. Lighting should be designed to be appropriate for the user's task, mood, and circadian rhythm. Acoustics should be designed with sound levels that are comfortable and conducive for the user's activity and communication. Lastly, thermal comfort should be considered when designing temperature and humidity levels that are pleasant and healthy for the user.

5 Incorporate biophilic design

The fifth step to design welcoming commercial spaces is to incorporate biophilic design, which is the practice of connecting people with nature through design. This practice can improve the user's mood, productivity, creativity, and well-being. To implement biophilic design, you can use natural materials, colors, and textures. Additionally, adding plants, flowers, or green walls can help create a natural atmosphere. You could also provide natural light, views, or ventilation to enhance the space. Moreover, creating natural shapes, forms, or patterns as well as mimicking natural sounds, smells, or sensations are other strategies to implement biophilic design.

6 Test and evaluate your design

The sixth and final step to design welcoming commercial spaces is to test and evaluate your design with your users. You can use various methods to collect feedback, such as questionnaires, interviews, observations, or analytics. By testing and evaluating your design, you can identify the strengths and weaknesses of your design, measure the user satisfaction and loyalty, and make improvements or adjustments as needed.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?