Thanks to long-time friend Susan Abbott, author of the Creative Crossroads blog, for sharing the release of Skip to the Loo, a book by California-based Linda Wright. I’ve been waiting for a chance to share a pictures of our VLG restrooms. Now’s my chance.
First let’s get to the book. I have not read the book, but Linda appears to make the case for restrooms as powerful marketing tools. I don’t think she’s talking about ads over the urinals, but something a bit more sophisticated. In fact, the book focuses on women’s restrooms. It makes the argument that women spend more money, so retailers should spend more making sure their, um, needs are met. The basic premise of the book is “a good bathroom is good for business.”
I can’t endorse the book and I won’t rush out to Amazon and buy a copy, but as a marketer you have to applaud the idea, research and effort that went into writing a bathroom book.
We take a little comfort in the fact that we actually took time to consider how the men’s and women’s restrooms at VLG would be set up to meet our varied needs. We’re a digital ad agency so user interface is always important. Below you’ll find contrasting pictures of how we tackled this opportunity and created two unique spaces in our office.
Ladies first. You’ll see that many of the comforts of home have been incorporated in the design elements. I don’t have firsthand knowledge of the user experience, but it looks pretty. We should spend some money to make it even better. Maybe a little color on the walls.
Artwork, wicker baskets, and scented candles.
As you’ll see in the pic of the men’s room, we prefer or need only the basics. Nothing complicated. Good reminders. Simple experience.
Simple instructions help get the job done.
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