So it’s been said, “You can’t judge a book by its cover” how about: “Beauty is only skin deep” or, “Clothes don’t make the man”. You’ve heard all those clichés many times before, right? However, irrespective of what people say, people do select books based up a quick glance at the cover, they inadvertently judge people, and yes, we are attracted to beauty and cool clothing all the time. Maybe attraction is not all there is, but it certainly makes us stop and notice, doesn’t it? For that reason, it’s no secret, billions of dollars are spent designing book covers, designs for product packaging, beauty treatments, and men’s clothing. Why? All because people are trying to make an impression right out of the gate. Irrespective of what anybody says you and I both know, people think, believe, and take action based upon impressions. That being true, designers spend time and money studying human behaviour, so as to get inside the way we think. The bottom line is that perception is everything!
Reception area impressions are no different, perception is an important part of your business. You can have the greatest product or service in the world, but if no one thinks of it the same way you do, then no one will buy it. That’s why we do what we do at 90 Degree Office Concepts. We believe improving reception area perception helps you gain a distinct business advantage. One of the biggest opportunity’s a company has is to manage first impressions. It is for that reason that reception furniture and lobby design is so important. Reception design should do several things;
Barriers
One of the first things to know about in reception area (or any entry way) design, is controlling traffic flow. Traffic flow is simply showing people which way to walk. While barriers can help do that, they should not encumber entry points. Barriers like reception counters should be suggestive and show the socially intuitive person what to do and where to do it at. Reception station design, size and placement can suggest either stopping for approval or walking by. In either case, your reception station can be functional as well as aesthetically pleasing.
Points of Opportunity
Reception areas are opportunities to help people understand more about who you are and what you do better than your competitors. Everything that your visitors see, hear, and smell from the second the door opens is an opportunity to gain a positive impression. Using visual aids to direct attention to things they need to know about your company is an opportunity to subtly impress. Utilizing materials, information, color, design, and functional tools are all ways deliver an impressive message. You only have a few seconds to effectively grab their attention, so make the most of this time.
Progressive Attractions
First attractions only serve one purpose, to gain split second attention. After gaining attention, it’s your job to progressively lead them to attractions about your company that your guests will find progressively engaging – things that spark an immediate curiosity about your business. Progressive attractions are anything that will lead one’s mind deeper and deeper into active imagination. Newspapers and magazines use this same strategy to get you to buy. They use striking headlines that lure you in to find out more. Once you are in, they can offer things to buy and more. In this same manner, your reception area can show points of interest about your product, unique system of operation, interesting pictures, product comparisons, unique style of contemporary office furniture, or anything else to guide your guests progressively through the process.
The whole idea in a nutshell behind designing an effective reception area is to get people to be engaged in who you are and what you do. They should want to know more about you. Perception is everything! You only get one shot at making a first impression, so why not use it to your advantage?
At 90 Degree Office Concepts, we have dedicated our careers to helping our clients make the impression that serves their best interest. If you would like more helpful ideas as to how to make your business more impressive contact us at 855-699-0334 or email us at: [email protected]
