IKEA may sell cheap furniture that has shorter usage life and average quality that you are not too happy with, but they sure put a lot of thoughts on the experience design in every surface that touches the customers. Here is one thing I observed today during my regular visit to Richmond IKEA: on the way to the washrooms, there are hooks on the wall and a sign that reads “Hang your yellow shopping bag here!”
Some might say, what’s the big deal? I believe that high quality user experience design is in the details:
By putting hooks near the washrooms, it suggests customers to go and relieve themselves when needed, without worrying too much about carrying the big shopping bags with them into the tiny cubicle and risk wetting the merchandise, and then happily continue on their journey for more shopping. The longer you can keep customers in the store, the higher chance that they buy more.
Also, instead of the usual “Do not bring merchandise beyond this point”, which sounds bossy and mean, IKEA simply suggests you to hang your bag on the provided hooks in a much more subtle hint. It is even a little playful by adding the yellow bag clipart. It made me smile.
Newer: FREE by Chris Anderson 
My name is Calvin Chun-yu Chan, also known as カルビー or Jeepu. I'm a web app developer by trade, with curious and enthusiastic eyes on design, usability, culture and creativity.
IKEA, Washroom and User Experience
IKEA may sell cheap furniture that has shorter usage life and average quality that you are not too happy with, but they sure put a lot of thoughts on the experience design in every surface that touches the customers. Here is one thing I observed today during my regular visit to Richmond IKEA: on the way to the washrooms, there are hooks on the wall and a sign that reads “Hang your yellow shopping bag here!”
Some might say, what’s the big deal? I believe that high quality user experience design is in the details:
By putting hooks near the washrooms, it suggests customers to go and relieve themselves when needed, without worrying too much about carrying the big shopping bags with them into the tiny cubicle and risk wetting the merchandise, and then happily continue on their journey for more shopping. The longer you can keep customers in the store, the higher chance that they buy more.
Also, instead of the usual “Do not bring merchandise beyond this point”, which sounds bossy and mean, IKEA simply suggests you to hang your bag on the provided hooks in a much more subtle hint. It is even a little playful by adding the yellow bag clipart. It made me smile.