How can you design commercial interiors for restaurants that are accessible and inclusive?

1 Understand the needs

The first step in designing accessible and inclusive commercial interiors for restaurants is to understand the needs and preferences of your target customers and staff. You can do this by conducting research, surveys, interviews, or focus groups with people who have different abilities, backgrounds, cultures, ages, genders, and preferences. You can also consult with experts, organizations, or associations that specialize in accessibility and inclusivity issues. By understanding the needs of your audience, you can design a space that meets their expectations and requirements.

2 Follow the standards

The second step in designing accessible and inclusive commercial interiors for restaurants is to follow the standards and guidelines that apply to your location, industry, and type of restaurant. For instance, in the US, you may need to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), while in the UK and Canada, the Equality Act and Accessible Canada Act respectively would apply. These standards and guidelines provide specifications and recommendations on how to make your space accessible for people with disabilities, such as wheelchair users, visually impaired, hearing impaired, or cognitively impaired. When considering aspects such as the width, height, slope, surface of the entrance, corridors, ramps, stairs, and doors; the location, size, and features of the parking, signage, lighting, seating, tables, counters, menus, restrooms, and emergency exits; as well as the availability of assistive devices such as elevators and handrails; it is important to also consider their quality and compatibility with Braille or audio/video captions. Interpreters or service animals should also be taken into account.

3 Incorporate the principles

The third step in designing accessible and inclusive commercial interiors for restaurants is to incorporate the principles of universal design, which is an approach that seeks to create spaces that are usable and enjoyable by all. This includes equitable use, flexibility in use, simple and intuitive use, perceptible information, tolerance for error, low physical effort, and size and space for approach and use. Equitable use means that the space should provide the same or equivalent experience and opportunities for everyone, while flexibility in use should accommodate a wide range of individual preferences and abilities. Simple and intuitive use should make the space easy to understand and operate, while perceptible information should communicate effectively with the user, regardless of their sensory abilities. Tolerance for error should minimize hazards and adverse consequences of accidental or unintended actions, while low physical effort should make the space comfortable and efficient to use. Finally, size and space for approach and use should provide enough room for movement, manipulation, and reach.

4 Add the details

The fourth step in designing accessible and inclusive commercial interiors for restaurants is to add details that reflect your brand identity, concept, theme, and style. You should also consider how these details affect the accessibility and inclusivity of your space. To create contrast, harmony, balance, rhythm, and focal points, use colors, textures, materials, patterns, furniture, accessories, artwork, and plants that are appropriate. Avoid colors that are too bright or dark as they can cause glare or difficulty in reading. Similarly, textures or materials that are too rough or slippery can cause discomfort or instability. Additionally, patterns that are too busy or complex can cause distraction or disorientation. Furthermore, furniture or accessories that are too bulky or sharp can lead to obstruction or injury. Finally, artwork or plants that are too large or low can cause interference or inaccessibility.

5 Test and evaluate

The fifth step in designing accessible and inclusive commercial interiors for restaurants is to test and evaluate your space before and after opening. You can do this by inviting people who have different abilities, backgrounds, cultures, ages, genders, and preferences to visit your space and provide feedback. You can also use tools, checklists, or audits to assess the accessibility and inclusivity of your space. By testing and evaluating your space, you can identify and address any issues, gaps, or improvements that may affect the experience and satisfaction of your customers and staff.

6 Update and maintain

The sixth and final step in designing accessible and inclusive commercial interiors for restaurants is to update and maintain your space regularly. You can do this by monitoring the performance, usage, and feedback of your space and making changes or adjustments as needed. You can also keep up with the latest trends, technologies, and best practices in accessibility and inclusivity and incorporate them into your space. By updating and maintaining your space, you can ensure that it remains relevant, functional, and attractive for your customers and staff.

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?