This is a perfect example of small businesses thinking about their client's experience. It's an example of how a little creativity can make someone experience so much better.

Often when children or adults think about going to the orthodontist, it's not the most exciting experience. The actual treatment room is usually a bunch of chair is one room all in a neutral tone, or mostly what you would expect to see by going to a doctor's office. Below are pictures of an orthodontist's office that surprised me. As you walk in to the office, the reception area reminds you of a movie theater ticket stand with theater seats to wait on. The really great design experience is in the treatment room. A patient can usually wait about 10 to 20 minutes waiting to see their orthodontist. Most offices have magazines or sometimes coloring books for kids but the patient is supposed to remain in their chair the whole time - this can make any child bored in about 2 minutes. In this orthodontist's office, televisions are located at the exact eye angle that a person laying down needs in the treatment chair. Every room is themed with a scene from a movie that most people, adults and children recognized. Movies play continuously, making an hour and half orthodontist's appointment of waiting, tightening, and adjustments much more enjoyable.  Which office would you rather spend the next 3 years visiting once a month? Brilliant or just great design? It's didn't take years for research and development, these orthodontist's just thought about what it would be like to be a patient and what experience they wanted to create for them.

To go to this orthodontist's office go to http://www.twinortho.com/

Orthodontist's Treatment Area

Photo courtesy of twinortho.com.

Orthodontist's Reception Area

Photo courtesy of twinortho.com.

 
 

Design-Anthropology - a term that is simple to understand yet many companies find it difficult to practice. Look at the products around you whether a computer program or even office chair you wish would just do what you want. Everyday there are interactions you have that just seem to be more complicated or more difficult than they need to be. Anthropology is not just about going to another country and learning a native's point of view, it's about being a great observer. When you combine great observation with design and the skills to create new products, you can make many people's live easier and happier. Design-Anthropology is about enhancing people's interactions with their environment through great observation.