Every day, people have to wait, especially at airports, train stations, and hospitals. But more and more studies show that good design can make waiting feel shorter, calmer, and much better. When visual elements, storytelling, and simple interactivity come together, the experience changes from being bored to being comfortable and distracted.
This article talks about two real-life examples of playful waiting areas: a custom-designed baby changing area at Beauvais Airport and a soothing wall design at Morlaix Hospital. These examples show how playful waiting areas can lower stress and make both visitors and staff happier.
Why Playful Waiting Works
Research consistently corroborates the intuitive perceptions of parents, staff, and facility managers: the environment significantly influences individuals' experiences of waiting.
- Studies in outpatient clinics indicates that the quality of the waiting area influences patient satisfaction and the perceived duration of the wait.
- Workplace and healthcare design (including publications from Haworth) shows how visual distractions, intuitive communication, and interactive elements can help people relax.
In reality, successful playful waiting areas work on three main levels:
- Distraction: soft visuals, games, and movement catch the eye and calm the mind.
- Information: Clear, reassuring communication makes things less uncertain.
- Comfort: Warm colors, soft shapes, and friendly furniture help people feel better.
For families, the effect is even stronger: when a child is calm and busy, it makes parents feel better, which makes appointments go more smoothly and staff interactions easier.
Project 1: Beauvais Airport—Soothing Ceiling Panels for Baby Changing Areas
Beauvais Airport has both public and private baby care rooms, making it a great place for family-friendly design. GEMM Productions made custom ceiling panels in soft colors with funny characters and a story that flows smoothly. The idea makes kids look up, which calms them down and keeps them from getting restless during diaper changes.
- Babies go to sleep faster
- Parents are less stressed
- Families that are worried bother staff less often.
A small wall game in the same area gives siblings something else to do. This is another example of how playful design works in busy places like airports. All materials meet ERP safety and hygiene standards and are easy to clean, which makes them both useful and fun.
Project 2: Morlaix Hospital — A Calming Wall for Pediatric Patients
A custom wall graphic was put up in the pediatric waiting room at Morlaix Hospital to make the room feel more welcoming and less stressful. Studies indicate that well-designed waiting areas make patients feel better, and this project shows that this is true.
The goal is simple—help kids feel calmer, make appointments go more smoothly, and cut down on the stress that families often bring to medical settings. A fun environment doesn't take the place of care, but it does make every interaction go more smoothly.
Useful Advice for Creating Fun Waiting Areas in Health Care and Transportation
A few small changes can make a big difference for facility managers and administrators:
1. Put family touchpoints first.
Baby changing rooms, waiting areas for kids, and family areas near gates or stations are excellent places to start.
2. Tell a story through design.
Big pictures, soft colors, and clear themes all help make a space feel cozy and organized.
3. Use “micro-interactions.”
Small tactile or visual elements, like ceiling art, fun stickers, or gentle wall puzzles, get people's attention without overwhelming them. Research from Utrecht
University shows that relevant distractions can make people feel like they are waiting much less time.
4. Add light games into the décor.
Pictures of hidden objects, simple mazes, or illustrated riddles can help people stay quiet.
5. Measure the impact.
Short surveys about how comfortable people are and how long they think they have to wait will help confirm and improve the approach.
Why Organizations Benefit: Satisfaction, Efficiency, and Reputation
Investing in playful waiting spaces delivers measurable value:
- Higher satisfaction among visitors and patients
- Fewer interruptions and smoother workflows for staff
- Improved emotional well-being for children and families
- A stronger reputation for thoughtful, user-centered service
Create a Welcoming Space for Travelling Families
A thoughtfully designed kids’ corner is more than an added feature – it is a smart business asset for any service area that wants to stand out along busy holiday routes. When families feel welcome, when children feel engaged and happy, and when the atmosphere encourages longer, more relaxed stops, everyone benefits. These small moments of comfort are the reasons travellers remember your location and choose to return on their next trip.
If you are ready to enhance your venue with a safe, durable and beautifully designed play area, GEMM Productions is here to support you.
We specialise in creating permanent kids’ corners that elevate customer experience and help your venue become a preferred stop for families on the move.
