When it comes to children, distraction is one of the oldest tricks in the human playbook. Simple, positive distractions have the power to transform unpleasant experiences into moments of joy. Think about the wonderfully distracting effects of colorful bandages featuring cartoon characters. Similar logic can be applied to design at a larger scale.
When it comes to the built environment, distraction can help or hurt the intended purpose of the environment. This situation is especially true in healthcare facilities, where alarms, clinical noises, unsettling sights or smells and intense emotions can dominate. These factors can amplify anxiety, fear and worry.
But distraction can play a positive role in healthcare. By itself, it does not heal, but it can aid the healing process by addressing the mental well-being of an individual.
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