On August 2, 2011, an article appeared in the Huffington Post describing how one man challenged his co-worker to a bet in which he argued for the value of design and against the belief that design doesn’t mean anything.
Justin Gignac, a designer by trade, took that bet, and set out to prove his associate wrong. Here’s what he did. He decided to design and package New York City garbage. Yes, you heard me correctly. He hand-picked, from the streets of New York, common ordinary trash, i.e., soda cans, candy wrappers, empty packaging -- you name it. He went out and picked up the garbage, put it in clear plastic containers, sealed it, numbered and dated it, and added a signature. Then he went out and sold it.
When he first started selling the packaged garbage, he sold it, while sitting on a crate, to students for $10 each. The idea caught on so quickly, he raised the price to $25. As demand increased even further, he charged $50 per package. Here’s what he had to say about this. “When the packages were $10, people thought it was a fun idea. When they were $25 each, people thought they were a cool NYC souvenir. By the time they reached $50, people decided they were art, and started collecting them”. This is living proof, if you can change the perceived value of garbage by designing an impressive presentation, how much more value can you create in the minds of your visitors by designing an impressive reception area?
“Most people think reception area design as something that’s nice to do if you have extra money or time, little do they know, it’s not “something you do”, it’s everything”
I told you this story to demonstrate the powerful impact design can have on the way your visitors value your company. People are naturally influenced by what they believe to be true through their sensory agents; it’s your job to help them engage those senses without saying a word. What is the first thing you want your visitors to think about your company when they walk through you door? If you could design a conversation in their minds, what would be your opening line? When they leave you workplace, what is the last thing you want them to remember? Impressions are valuable. What will you design for your customers?
Need some ideas? 90 Degree Office Furniture
