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Step 1
Map the traffic. Whatever amount and kind of space you set aside for your waiting room, map the traffic flow. Provide a clear entrance and exit. If possible, make the entrance and exit separate, to keep the traffic moving in one direction. Decide if people will sit or stand while they wait, and if they will be moving or be still. Keep any seating areas as separate as possible from moving traffic.
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Step 2
Evaluate the light and air. Check the light and air flow in your space, and adjust it for the comfort of your visitors. If you are a doctor, your office has windows and you live in a cold climate, it may be uncomfortable for sick patients to sit by the window even if it is closed. Lights need to be adjusted for the function of the space and for the visitor's comfort. The healthiest air flow is constantly circulating, with some ventilation from outside; but if your office is enclosed it can be made to feel healthy by the inclusion of ameliorations such as plants, table lights and perhaps a fountain.
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Step 3
Set functions and define areas. Will there be a receptionist? Will you be asking your visitors to fill out forms? Take the time to list all the functions your waiting area will fill. If possible, define a separate area for each, which fits the traffic flow. For example, reception would be by the door---unless you wish to awe or intimidate your visitor by setting it far away, across a vast area across which they must walk. Even without a receptionist, your visitor can be made to feel welcome by including a door mat, someplace to hang up a coat, and perhaps a place to wash hands or get a drink of water.
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Step 4
Set the physical foundation. Now is the time to plan wall and floor coverings, colors, materials and textures. These should dramatize the values of your business. For example, natural textures, green seating, filtered sunlight and wood floors will give the visitor a very different impression from metal and leather seating, white walls, dramatic artificial light and concrete floors.
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Step 5
Set the ambient mood. The smaller objects in your waiting room, when carefully chosen, can signal visitors to start thinking about business, can relax them with games or magazines, or even can set them to work---filling out forms or reading content that you provide. You may wish to design how these objects will change. Seasonal businesses may include holiday-themed displays. Medical businesses might wish to include a dramatic display of their latest product or service. And media businesses might wish to include a revolving display of current campaigns.
