Lobby and
sampling room
concept for
several locations
- SCOPE
- SYNLAB Finland
- Service environment
- Concept development
- Spatial design
- Graphic design
Laboratory tests and other examinations can feel slightly intimidating. The SYNLAB locations that have been renewed according to the new concept offer a calming experience for the customers and help the personnel to carry out their duties.
The aim was to create a spatial experience that is based on professionalism and high quality, as is reliable medicine. The new visual look and the functional improvements create an exceptionally comfortable work environment for medical professionals and a sense of safety for customers – relax, you are in good hands. The calming effect of the space and the situation result from the warm atmosphere, unhurried customer service and the sense of knowing you are in the right place. The signs and the clear space make the services easy-to-use and increase SYNLAB’s image as an approachable operator.
A spatial
experience
shaped by
skill and care.
The lighting and color palette of the sampling room provide a more calming experience. Plant-themed art helps to take your mind off of the medical procedure.
Paintings have been themed with flowers and plants, refreshing and easing the mind. The tones have been carefully selected to match the style and atmosphere of the spaces.
Aiming for a high-quality and warm concept that adapts to different locations
Private laboratory and imaging services provider SYNLAB has 35 locations across Finland. The concept development project between SYNLAB and Rune & Berg Design started with developing the customer experience: the aim was to create a warm, high-quality and approachable customer experience instead of the clinical atmosphere that is typical of the health and welfare sector.
The objective of the project was to design a lobby and sampling room concept that can be easily and cost-effectively implemented in different locations, regardless of their size and architectural features, and that supports the customer experience target.
“We wanted to create a professional and high-quality environment for customers and personnel. We hoped that people would find our spaces smooth and pleasant to use and, on the other hand, that the concept would not be too upscale for our brand image,” says Saana Mannerhovi, Marketing Director for SYNLAB, describing the objectives of the project.
Design drivers of the project:
- Customer-centred, comfortable space and look
- Applicable to different kinds of locations
- In line with the SYNLAB brand and values: easy, affordable and understandable
- Considerate of different user groups, for example, the elderly
- High-quality, warm, calming, clear and safe experience
Rune & Berg Design was responsible for the concept development of the lobby and sampling room and the graphic look. The concept covers the materials and colours of the waiting room and sampling rooms, the customer service desk and furniture, and luminaires and equipment. The team also developed separate concepts for the facade elements and signs that can be used in different locations and situations.
We created a visual concept which can be used in environments with different architectures and service environments. The visual concept is designed for both windows with a view to an open lobby space and for windows where the street view needs to be completely or partially obscured.
The new concept makes the locations more consistent and supports agile design. The concept will be implemented in several SYNLAB locations across Finland. For example, the SYNLAB clinics in Kamppi, AINOA in Tapiola, Chydenia in Kokkola and Ratina in Tampere have recently been renewed based on the new concept.
“The transformation from old to modern is very apparent. The look and feel of the renewed locations is elegant, calm, smooth and high-quality,” Saana says.
“You coached us well. You had a good and clear process: when is the concept checked, does it need any changes and, if so, the changes are documented in the concept handbook,” Sanna continues.
The customer experience has improved. For example, one of our customers said the atmosphere felt like being in a hotel lobby.
Photos: Aleksi Tikka