It was interesting to learn “…the laptop is the center of the business traveler’s life and should be the center of the design innovation.” What is at the center of your customer’s life? Is it an object or a lifestyle; a variety of social events, opportunities to be active, a mix of private and public space, or a support network of heathcare options? Find what is most important to your target market and use that as the guide for ongoing innovation. Some of the other key learning points of the redesign of Courtyard hotels that could be applied to senior living communities are:
- Flexible, movable furniture to customize how the public space is used from a communal table to private quiet areas.
- A physical environment and service options that is under each persons control and offers a high level of choice; a variety of food options and highly flexible meal time schedule.
- A lobby that is a destination as opposed to being a mediocre pass through to secluded rooms.
If you won’t be traveling to one of the refreshed Courtyard properties any time soon get a feel of the new environment with this commercial.
There are many examples of well designed lifestage communities and facilities across the continuum of care but they are far outnumbered by the quantity of poorly designed facilities that are not prepared to meet the lifestyle needs of a new generation of adults seeking innovative housing and care options.
If you really listen to your current and prospective residents what small and large scale innovations can you implement that will transform their experience?
