Good design and signage make all the difference

Good interior design, and clear, effective signage, are not just ‘nice to have’, they are essential for healthcare environments, and can have a significant impact on patient experience, recovery, and staff productivity. They help give a space character, and encourage staff to take ownership of, and have pride in, their facility — often leading to happier staff and better patient care. When thoughtfully considered, good interior design and wayfinding can contribute to increased patient satisfaction, and a more efficient and attractive workplace, yet they are often overlooked. Many healthcare facilities appear to have no interior design at all, and a jumble of signage added ad hoc over a number of years.

Getting the basics right: space and (natural) light

Before considering interior design and signage, it is important to address two of the most fundamental elements of healthcare design: space and light. The right balance of space and light can improve patient recovery, increase staff productivity, and create a more welcoming environment for visitors.

The right space is essential to promote the safe and efficient flow of patients, staff, and equipment, reducing congestion and minimising stress. Adequate space is also essential for patient privacy, helping people to feel more comfortable during consultations, treatments, or waiting times. For healthcare staff, well-designed spaces and thoughtful adjacencies improve workflow by placing essential equipment and areas in accessible, logical locations, increasing efficiency.

Light, and particularly natural light, also plays an important role in healthcare environments. Natural light has been shown to improve mood, regulate circadian rhythms, and support sleep, all of which are crucial for recovery. Large windows, rooflights, and open spaces that allow natural light to flood an area, can contribute significantly to a more pleasant and therapeutic atmosphere. In patient rooms, access to daylight can reduce stress and anxiety, fostering a more calming and healing environment. Bright, well-lit spaces also contribute to a more vibrant and positive atmosphere, enhancing patient comfort and relaxation. For staff, natural light has been linked to increased focus, energy, and productivity, helping to improve staff retention, and also reducing the likelihood of ‘burnout’ in demanding healthcare settings.

The concept of healing environments has been extensively researched, with evidence showing that design can influence both physical recovery and mental health outcomes. Studies have shown that well-designed spaces can reduce patient stress, anxiety, and even pain levels, contributing to faster recovery and improved health outcomes. Interior design is therefore not just about aesthetics. It is an essential component in shaping the functionality and atmosphere of healthcare environments. Interior design has a direct impact on the physical and emotional experience of patients, families, and staff. Key elements such as colour schemes, layout, furniture, lighting, acoustics, and artwork, are integral to creating an environment that promotes healing, comfort, and confidence.

Colours’ profound impact

The colours used in healthcare environments can be subjective, but they have a profound effect on the mood and feelings of patients and visitors. Warm tones can make a space feel more welcoming, while cooler tones can promote relaxation and stress reduction. Soft, muted tones such as blues, greens, and earth tones, are commonly used in healthcare design because they are calming and soothing. At Wembley Park Medical Centre (see photos), The Manser Practice designed the GP surgery with two ‘wings’ — blue and green, to help patient wayfinding. Workshops with staff revealed that they preferred neither typical NHS pastel colours, nor bright primary colours, but something in between. Subtle colour changes in the flooring were also used to help identify waiting areas and spaces around a reception desk, and the finishes were complemented by natural materials such as ash hardwood and matching laminates.

Material choices, such as the use of soft, non-reflective surfaces or calming textures, can enhance the comfort and safety of the space. For example, waiting areas with comfortable seating can reduce stress for family members waiting for a patient’s treatment. This can be combined with acoustic control, as high noise levels in a healthcare setting can be distressing for patients, and disruptive to the healing process. Noise can increase stress, disturb sleep, and hinder communication. Effective interior design addresses these concerns by using sound-absorbing materials — such as acoustic ceiling tiles, carpets, and padded furniture — to reduce noise pollution and create a peaceful environment. Quiet areas for reflection and relaxation should also be incorporated to provide moments of respite for patients and staff.

Healthcare environments must prioritise patient and staff safety too. Good interior design incorporates features such as non-slip flooring, rounded corners on furniture, and the use of visual contrast to help those with impaired vision navigate spaces effectively. These design choices can reduce the risk of accidents and fall-related injuries, and ensure that the environment is suitable for patients of all abilities.

Signage’s key role

Effective signage is an essential component of healthcare design, guiding people through the often large and complex layouts of hospitals and clinics. Clear, concise, and well-placed signage improves the patient experience, ensures timely care, and increases the operational efficiency of healthcare facilities. Patients, visitors, and even staff members, often need guidance to find specific departments, examination rooms, or services. Inadequate or unclear signage can lead to frustration, delays, and anxiety, especially for those who may already be stressed about their health concerns. Effective wayfinding signage needs to be considered by the design team, and not left to clinicians or administration staff who, after spending time redirecting patients, often resort to a piecemeal approach of posters and laminated notices.

Healthcare facilities are visited by people of all ages, backgrounds, and physical abilities. Signage needs to be designed to ensure accessibility for everyone, including those with visual impairments, hearing loss, or limited mobility. It should be simple and straightforward, using clear language and intuitive symbols to guide people, including for those with limited literacy skills, or those unfamiliar with medical terminology. For example, using symbols for toilets or baby-changing in addition to text can help non-native speakers, or people with limited literacy skills, to navigate.

Issues for some with complex signs

Some patients, particularly those with dementia or other cognitive impairments, may have difficulty understanding complex signs. Clear and simple signs, along with visual cues and colour contrasts, can make a significant difference in helping these individuals navigate the healthcare environment more effectively. In addition, to ensure that individuals with visual impairments can navigate healthcare facilities safely, signage should include Braille and tactile features such as raised letters or symbols. Tactile signage should be located at accessible heights to allow easy access for people using wheelchairs.

Signage needs to be strategically placed where people are most likely to need it. High-traffic areas such as lobbies, waiting areas, and lifts, should have prominent, easy-to-read signs. Important destinations, such as emergency areas, should be signposted well in advance to give people time to adjust their route. Clear directional signage at crossroads in layouts can guide visitors and staff through the building, minimising their chances of becoming lost.

Consistent signage throughout the facility makes it easier for people to follow directions. It helps patients and visitors recognise familiar patterns, reducing cognitive load, and making it easier to orient themselves within the space. Consistent use of colour schemes, fonts, and symbols, also ensures that people can quickly identify key areas such as the reception, toilets, or waiting areas, and helps to create a clear identity for each facility that patients can easily recognise and feel comfortable in.

Conclusion

Good interior design and effective signage are not just luxury additions to healthcare environments, nor should they be the first thing mentioned in value-engineering exercises — they are critical components that support patient wellbeing and staff productivity. Thoughtful interior design contributes to a healing environment by improving patient comfort, reducing stress, and supporting recovery. Clear and accessible signage ensures that patients and visitors can easily navigate complex spaces, making their experience efficient and less stressful. By integrating these elements with care and attention to detail, healthcare facilities can create spaces that are not only functional, but are also welcoming, comforting, and supportive of the health and wellbeing of everyone who uses them.