Playful design: creating positive emotional experiences in spaces

Playful design is a design strategy that seeks to make a positive impact through space. Through learning experiences, interactive environments and narratives, spaces become stimulating, welcoming and, above all, humanising.

The ability of Krion® Solid Surface to adopt multiple forms, creating innovative surfaces that allow the customisation of any environment, and its advanced properties that promote health and well-being, can significantly improve spaces, especially hospital spaces, as was our participation in the Hospital la Paz in Madrid.

Photo: Esmeralda Martín

Hospital Universitario la Paz (Madrid, Spain) by PlayOffice

The elements and benefits of playful design in hospitals: creating a positive impact

Playful design is characterised by the incorporation of four key elements that distinguish it from other design approaches:

• Interactivity: elements that invite active user participation, such as touch screens, interactive games and activity areas.

• Vibrant colours and shapes: use of bright colours and dynamic shapes that attract attention and stimulate the senses.

• Play elements: integration of games, both physical and digital, that encourage fun and social interaction.

• Narrative and theming: creating themed environments that tell a story or follow a specific narrative, making the space more engaging and memorable.

Playful design offers numerous benefits, both for users and for the designers and owners of the spaces:

• Encourages creativity and imagination: promotes cognitive and emotional development, especially in children.

• Reduces stress and anxiety: helps to reduce these symptoms by creating a more relaxed and friendly atmosphere, ideal in hospital environments.

• Improves social interaction: strengthens connections by creating a sense of community through interactive and play elements.

• Increased well-being: attractive aesthetics and stimulating spaces make participants feel happier and more engaged.

The hospital environment can be an intimidating and stressful space, especially for child patients. At Krion, we understand the importance of creating spaces that are not only functional and safe, but also welcoming and enhance the emotional impact in a positive way. The adaptability of our solid surface design and our advanced technology allow us to personalise and humanise the healthcare experience, transforming hospitals into places where patients can find a playful and hopeful haven.

Photo: Esmeralda Martín

Hospital Universitario la Paz (Madrid, Spain) by PlayOffice

Krion® Lux personalises and humanises healthcare at La Paz Hospital

Krion® Lux has transformed the Paediatric Haematology-Oncology areas of the Hospital Universitario la Paz in Madrid into a space station, with the help of the Juegaterapia Foundation. Project in which we participated as donors of Krion® K-Life 1100 mineral compact materials for its remodelling.

Photo: Esmeralda Martín

Hospital Universitario la Paz (Madrid, Spain) by PlayOffice

The PlayOffice studio has turned the isolation rooms into 'moon stations' where children can play at being astronauts, humanising the hospital stay of child patients in a playful, friendly and hopeful environment.

Each 'space station' has a panel that simulates the control panels of the spacecraft made with Krion® K-Life 1100, which is backlit to emulate lunar light and can be modified according to the needs of each child. To achieve their mission, each little astronaut can use a robot that talks and moves, as well as the virtual reality glasses and the projector that turns the ceiling of the room into a starry sky.

Photo: Esmeralda Martín

Hospital Universitario la Paz (Madrid, Spain) by PlayOffice

An immersive and magical experience that marks a significant advance in the positive impact on healthcare. At Krion, we are proud to be part of this project, improving the patient experience, especially for the youngest patients, transforming healthcare and bringing excitement and joy to those who need it most.

Photo: Esmeralda Martín

Hospital Universitario la Paz (Madrid, Spain) by PlayOffice

Krion® K-Life 1100 is a compact mineral that stands out for its purity and backlighting capacity, allowing the reproduction of colours and the creation of personalised environments that can change according to the patient's needs. In addition to its bacteriostatic power, it is an aseptic material, with imperceptible joints and almost no porosity. These characteristics make it easy to sanitise and clean. Its high mineral composition makes it highly resistant to knocks, wear and tear and chemical agents, making it the ideal choice for healthcare environments where hygiene is paramount.

Its technical properties make it ideal for sanitary environments for several reasons:

• Hygiene and safety: The non-porous surface of Krion® prevents the accumulation of micro-organisms, reducing the risk of nosocomial infections. In addition, its active bactericidal capacity eliminates microorganisms without the need for chemical additives.

• Durability and resistance: Krion® is highly resistant to impact, scratches and chemicals, ensuring longevity in high-traffic environments such as hospitals. It is also fire resistant, contributing to the overall safety of the environment.

• Ease of maintenance: The seamless, continuous surface of Krion® makes it easy to clean and maintain, ensuring it is kept in optimum condition with minimal effort.

• Sustainability: Krion® is 100% recyclable and its manufacturing processes are environmentally friendly, contributing to the sustainability of the project.