The Role of Interior Design Elements in Forming First Impressions: The Case of Hospital Lobbies

This study examined how the physical environment of hospital lobbies shapes first-time visitors’ first impressions and emotional responses. The research addresses a gap in the literature of healthcare design pertaining to these immediate judgments, acknowledging that first impressions are formed rapidly, frequently within minutes, and substantially influence the overall experiences of patients and visitors. The study was conducted at a hospital in West Texas and employed a convergent mixed-methods design. The primary focus of this paper is on qualitative data collected from 30 participants who were exposed to the hospital lobby for controlled durations. Data collection included think-aloud protocols, semi-structured interviews, and card-sorting exercises, analyzed through inductive content analysis to identify key environmental attributes affecting impressions. The results reveal that first impressions are formed within five minutes and are significantly influenced by factors such as spatial functionality, aesthetic characteristics (e.g., cleanliness, lighting, artwork), sensory stimuli, and wayfinding cues. These elements collectively evoke emotional and cognitive responses that shape visitors’ comfort, safety perception, and satisfaction. The study concludes that the integration of functional and ornamental design elements is essential for enhancing the overall experience of hospitals and promoting positive emotional engagement. Implications suggest that healthcare designers should prioritize user-centered approaches that balance safety, efficiency, and welcoming atmospheres to enhance well-being from the very first encounter.