3D printing: Rebuilding the construction industry

John Stewart — Wed, 17 Apr 2019 17:54:19 +0000

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1555524146351{margin-bottom: 15px !important;}”]As a builder you spend countless hours developing and designing the perfect structure. When the plans are complete you hit the print key and in a few moments you have a copy of all that hard work in your hands. Printing a document is now just a part of everyday life. However, the art of printing has been a part of society since the 1400’s and has undergone several iterations over the centuries; from letterpress printing to offset printing to desktop printing and it keeps evolving. Can you imagine a world without the printed page?[/vc_column_text][vc_custom_heading text=”What if you hit the print key and instead of getting a set of plans you get a house?” font_container=”tag:h2|font_size:30px|text_align:left|color:%239c5708|line_height:32px” google_fonts=”font_family:Montserrat%3Aregular%2C700|font_style:400%20regular%3A400%3Anormal” css=”.vc_custom_1555524108113{margin-bottom: 15px !important;}”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1555524115535{margin-top: 0px !important;}”]You may be asking yourself, “What do I care about printing, I’m a builder?” Well consider this, what if you hit the print key and instead of getting a set of plans you get a house? Yes, a real livable structure! With 3D printing that technology exists.[/vc_column_text][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1555524216626{margin-top: 0px !important;}”]The term 3D printing refers to the production of physical objects layer-by-layer by an automated and usually computer-controlled machine. The machine, most often guided by digital 3D models, either melts metal or powdered solids or ejects liquid or semi-liquid materials. The technology provides for a wide range of applications, from surgical implants to spare parts for cars to lightweight structures for aerospace projects and yes, even buildings.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”1780″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center” css=”.vc_custom_1555524419226{margin-bottom: 10px !important;}”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1555524391472{margin-top: 0px !important;}”]

3D printers at work.

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1555524840195{margin-top: 0px !important;margin-bottom: 20px !important;}”]Many design firms across the world are implementing 3D printing technology. One of the top companies that has dedicated itself to 3D printing in the construction industry is the Chinese firm Winsun. The company made global news in 2014 when it printed ten complete houses. Since then, it has conducted several bold projects, such as printing a complete office building for the Dubai Future Foundation.[/vc_column_text][vc_video link=”https://youtu.be/SObzNdyRTBs” align=”center” css=”.vc_custom_1555524848465{margin-top: 0px !important;margin-bottom: 20px !important;}”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1555524857489{margin-top: 0px !important;margin-bottom: 20px !important;}”]Other projects include the Dutch company MX3D that has been using it’s robotics and design expertise to develop methods for printing a metal pedestrian bridge; a California/Russian company partnership has reportedly printed a modest concrete house entirely onsite in 24 hours for barely $10,000, a 70% savings over conventional construction methods; and a Tennessee company has developed a process for printing freeform polymer matrices that can be filled with foam or cement.[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”1784″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center” css=”.vc_custom_1555524928835{margin-top: 0px !important;margin-bottom: 10px !important;}”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1555524920720{margin-top: 0px !important;margin-bottom: 20px !important;}”]

The latest example of a 3D printed house. The images above show the exterior and interior of the structure.

[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1555524972617{margin-top: 0px !important;margin-bottom: 20px !important;}”]3D printing is not without it’s critics. There are some who believe with increased automation and mechanization it will have a detrimental effect on the labor force. Also, there are still several building regulations to be delt with and testing that needs to be completed before the technology can really hit it’s stride. But, like with any new technology, eventually these problems will be solved and the construction business can enjoy a whole new world of possibilities 3D printing can bring to the industry, such as:[/vc_column_text][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/6″][vc_single_image image=”1785″ img_size=”full” alignment=”right”][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”5/6″][vc_custom_heading text=”Better Project Planning” font_container=”tag:h2|font_size:22px|text_align:left|color:%239c5708|line_height:24px” google_fonts=”font_family:Montserrat%3Aregular%2C700|font_style:400%20regular%3A400%3Anormal” css=”.vc_custom_1555525282876{margin-bottom: 5px !important;}”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1555525222661{margin-top: 0px !important;margin-bottom: 20px !important;}”]3D printing allows companies to quickly and inexpensively create models to have a visual representation of the project.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/6″][vc_single_image image=”1782″ img_size=”full” alignment=”right”][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”5/6″][vc_custom_heading text=”Freedom of Design” font_container=”tag:h2|font_size:22px|text_align:left|color:%239c5708|line_height:24px” google_fonts=”font_family:Montserrat%3Aregular%2C700|font_style:400%20regular%3A400%3Anormal” css=”.vc_custom_1555525363764{margin-bottom: 5px !important;}”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1555525385085{margin-top: 0px !important;margin-bottom: 20px !important;}”]By reducing the costs associated with nonstandard shapes, 3D printing gives free rein to architects and designers.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/6″][vc_single_image image=”1786″ img_size=”full” alignment=”right”][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”5/6″][vc_custom_heading text=”Reduced Supply Costs” font_container=”tag:h2|font_size:22px|text_align:left|color:%239c5708|line_height:24px” google_fonts=”font_family:Montserrat%3Aregular%2C700|font_style:400%20regular%3A400%3Anormal” css=”.vc_custom_1555525465581{margin-bottom: 5px !important;}”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1555525481715{margin-top: 0px !important;margin-bottom: 20px !important;}”]It is estimated that 3D printing will save construction companies up to 50% on the cost of building a house.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/6″][vc_single_image image=”1783″ img_size=”full” alignment=”right”][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”5/6″][vc_custom_heading text=”Greener Construction” font_container=”tag:h2|font_size:22px|text_align:left|color:%239c5708|line_height:24px” google_fonts=”font_family:Montserrat%3Aregular%2C700|font_style:400%20regular%3A400%3Anormal” css=”.vc_custom_1555525528444{margin-bottom: 5px !important;}”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1555525549093{margin-top: 0px !important;margin-bottom: 20px !important;}”]3D printing relies less on lumber in a home’s framework. Great for “green” construction firms, not so great for the lumber industry.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/6″][vc_single_image image=”1781″ img_size=”full” alignment=”right”][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”5/6″][vc_custom_heading text=”Autonomous Construction” font_container=”tag:h2|font_size:22px|text_align:left|color:%239c5708|line_height:24px” google_fonts=”font_family:Montserrat%3Aregular%2C700|font_style:400%20regular%3A400%3Anormal” css=”.vc_custom_1555525605749{margin-bottom: 5px !important;}”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1555525622702{margin-top: 0px !important;margin-bottom: 20px !important;}”]The skills shortage affecting the construction industry could soon become less relevant. 3D printers require minimal human surveillance.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/6″][vc_single_image image=”1787″ img_size=”full” alignment=”right”][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”5/6″][vc_custom_heading text=”Speed of Delivery” font_container=”tag:h2|font_size:22px|text_align:left|color:%239c5708|line_height:24px” google_fonts=”font_family:Montserrat%3Aregular%2C700|font_style:400%20regular%3A400%3Anormal” css=”.vc_custom_1555525667517{margin-bottom: 5px !important;}”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1555525688412{margin-top: 0px !important;margin-bottom: 20px !important;}”]By operating 24/7 and by reducing onsite glitches, 3D printers can cut construction times dramatically.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/6″][vc_single_image image=”1788″ img_size=”full” alignment=”right”][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”5/6″][vc_custom_heading text=”Worldwide Development” font_container=”tag:h2|font_size:22px|text_align:left|color:%239c5708|line_height:24px” google_fonts=”font_family:Montserrat%3Aregular%2C700|font_style:400%20regular%3A400%3Anormal” css=”.vc_custom_1555525734606{margin-bottom: 5px !important;}”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1555525755637{margin-top: 0px !important;margin-bottom: 20px !important;}”]3D printing is an affordable way to create housing for less fortunate individuals in need of shelter.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_custom_heading text=”One day, perhaps, large buildings will be printed in their entirety by a single printer.” font_container=”tag:h2|font_size:30px|text_align:left|color:%239c5708|line_height:32px” google_fonts=”font_family:Montserrat%3Aregular%2C700|font_style:400%20regular%3A400%3Anormal” css=”.vc_custom_1555525913102{margin-bottom: 15px !important;}”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1555525861086{margin-top: 0px !important;margin-bottom: 20px !important;}”]When will 3D printing really become mainstream in the construction industry is up to the industry itself. One day, perhaps, large buildings will be printed in their entirety by a single printer, with no on-site human input apart from the pressing of a switch. That is still a long way off, but as long as investment continues flowing and the learning curve gets straighter, it might be sooner than you think![/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

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Designing Happy (Part 2)

John Stewart — Fri, 22 Mar 2019 14:16:05 +0000

[vc_row][vc_column width=”1/4″][vc_empty_space height=”30px”][vc_single_image image=”1667″ img_size=”full”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”3/4″][vc_custom_heading text=”Focus on the Actual Experience” font_container=”tag:h2|font_size:20px|text_align:left|color:%23000000|line_height:22px” google_fonts=”font_family:Montserrat%3Aregular%2C700|font_style:700%20bold%20regular%3A700%3Anormal” css=”.vc_custom_1553258696857{margin-top: 20px !important;margin-bottom: 10px !important;}”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1553258717903{margin-bottom: 15px !important;}”]Have you ever had an amazing experience, but couldn’t quite put your finger on what it was that made it so special? You may remember the obvious things, like an exceptional meal, superior service or beautiful scenery, but what was it that made this experience stand out among all of the others? Come to find out; there is a certain science to designing a happy experience.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1553258733798{margin-bottom: 15px !important;}”]Dissected into three phases – anticipation, the experience itself, and memory, we now have the basic recipe for happiness. In Part I of this article, we discussed how to build on customers’ anticipation to pave the journey to happy. In Part II, we will explore ways to enhance the customer experience in the actual moment.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/4″][vc_empty_space height=”30px”][vc_single_image image=”1668″ img_size=”full”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”3/4″][vc_custom_heading text=”An Engaged Player is a Happy Player” font_container=”tag:h2|font_size:20px|text_align:left|color:%23000000|line_height:22px” google_fonts=”font_family:Montserrat%3Aregular%2C700|font_style:700%20bold%20regular%3A700%3Anormal” css=”.vc_custom_1553258762143{margin-top: 20px !important;margin-bottom: 10px !important;}”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1553258776920{margin-bottom: 15px !important;}”]Staying present, focused and engaged may sound like advice best dispensed in the yoga studio, but it is just as applicable when talking about customer experience. Our minds are constantly tempted to wander, easily distracted by sights, sounds, and smells, but studies have shown that a customer who is fully engaged and immersed in whatever they are doing, are enjoying happier experiences. So how can we ensure the maximum engagement and interaction?[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1553258798911{margin-bottom: 15px !important;}”]Heat maps tell us where to place games on your floor. We know which games are cranking. We know who is playing the games. ere is much to be said about the draw of brilliant game design, but could there be other, subconscious factors at play? Data tells us a lot about the customer’s gaming preferences and habits, but when we compare this data to the environment where the games are played, we gain even further understanding as to what contributed to customer engagement. What color are the walls in the area where games are “hot?” How high are the ceilings? Is it a more private space or open? For example, data has shown that skilled-based games do best when set in a designated area for gamers.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1553258815282{margin-bottom: 15px !important;}”]We want to provide the best experience for our players, and we now have the tools available to tell us precisely what that is, even when our customers aren’t necessarily conscious of it. Data, when used correctly, tells a detailed story of our customer that can give us insightful information when approaching design. Helen Keller said, “ e best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched – they must be felt with the heart.” I believe that we, as architects, have neglected this sixth sense when approaching design, but that data may be just the tool we need to help unlock it and enhance engagement (see my article on designing for the senses).[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/4″][vc_empty_space height=”30px”][vc_single_image image=”1669″ img_size=”full”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”3/4″][vc_custom_heading text=”So Little Choices, Oh So Happy” font_container=”tag:h2|font_size:20px|text_align:left|color:%23000000|line_height:22px” google_fonts=”font_family:Montserrat%3Aregular%2C700|font_style:700%20bold%20regular%3A700%3Anormal” css=”.vc_custom_1553258853466{margin-top: 20px !important;margin-bottom: 10px !important;}”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1553263263503{margin-bottom: 15px !important;}”]There was a time when offering endless options to your customer was the only way to go; think of the extensive, twelve-page Cheesecake Factory menu or the 27 varieties of Crest on the shelves at your local supermarket. It’s easy to point out the absurdity of this choice-overload from these examples, but the truth is, we humans think we want it and are subconsciously drawn toward more choice.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1553258904322{margin-bottom: 15px !important;}”]However, research over the last 10-15 years has unveiled that as the number of options increases, the level of certainty people have about their choices decreases. And the anticipation that they will regret their choice increases. is “Paradox of Choice,” as coined by psychologist Barry Schwartz (www.ted.com/talks/barry_schwartz_on_the_ paradox_of_choice), causes stress-inducing anxiety as the pressure of making the “right” choice creates a decision- making paralysis. On the other hand, by limiting the number of options offered to consumers, studies show they are not only more likely to make a purchase, but more satisfied with their choice and therefore more likely to purchase again. So the key is to focus choice, but in a way that does not feel limiting to your customer.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1553258940468{margin-bottom: 15px !important;}”]Think of this in terms of your property’s restaurants. Yes, you want to offer a select variety of cuisines, both quick service and sit-down, but you also want to give constraints by limiting the number of menu items at each concept. Offering a small variety of distinct restaurants with limited, non-similar menu items will leave the diner feeling confident and satisfied with their choice. You can’t be all things to all people, so embrace the uniqueness of what your property has to offer and build a distinction in your brand around that uniqueness.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1553258986534{margin-bottom: 15px !important;}”]Placement of these restaurants is also important in limiting choice. You don’t want your players spending time agonizing over which restaurant to choose. Placing your restaurants in strategically located pockets helps decrease the “where should I eat?” paralysis. e data can help here too in discovering the dining trends with different players. If you plan on opening a new concept, survey your customers and look at the data. You may think you know what they want, but often a simple survey can be the difference of a failed concept and a success. It’s about giving direction and personalized constraints based on research and data, easing that decision-making stress and ultimately giving a happier experience.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/4″][vc_empty_space height=”30px”][vc_single_image image=”1670″ img_size=”full”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”3/4″][vc_custom_heading text=”I’m Kind of a Big Deal” font_container=”tag:h2|font_size:20px|text_align:left|color:%23000000|line_height:22px” google_fonts=”font_family:Montserrat%3Aregular%2C700|font_style:700%20bold%20regular%3A700%3Anormal” css=”.vc_custom_1553259039350{margin-top: 20px !important;margin-bottom: 10px !important;}”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1553259054990{margin-bottom: 15px !important;}”]It’s nothing new to say that people love feeling special or superior. is is one of the things the gaming industry does best, after all. In terms of designing happy though, what is it that makes a person feel special? We may not like to admit it, but the truth is we are all biologically hard-wired to strive for superiority within social settings.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1553259069695{margin-bottom: 15px !important;}”]Soul Cycle, the indoor cycle phenomenon, uses this psychology quite well. eir entrance and class times are designed so that there is an exchange between the people coming in for a new class and the people who have just finished a class. For the fresh-faced incoming group, it is motivation, a glimpse of the reward. For the exercised, sweaty group, it serves as validation of their efforts and a feeling of accomplishment – superiority.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1553259097407{margin-bottom: 15px !important;}”]This interaction between the validated and the motivated has design applications all over in a casino and hotel setting; from the placement of VIP areas to spa entrances and aspirational balconies. Encompass also knew this when designing the Mansion for Churchill Downs, an exclusive, invitation-only entertainment lounge for the elite. Although the entrance to the venue is hidden, the balconies are located in plain view, so that even those on Millionaires Row have something to which to aspire.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1553259122567{margin-bottom: 15px !important;}”]Ralph Waldo Emerson said, “The field cannot be seen from within the field,” but that is exactly what we have been doing for years in the gaming industry; we stand in the casino and ask ourselves how it can be improved. So instead, let’s look at it from a different view. By looking at data and psychology, we find that those spaces and services that encourage interaction are those that retain player engagement. Using knowledge of human interaction to create great Experiences that will drive Anticipation and create Memories will have everyone sharing it! They will have experienced a true “Design for Happiness.”[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1550072765140{margin-bottom: 15px !important;}”]Originally published in Raving’s Strategic Solutions Magazine, April 2017[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

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Designing Happy (Part 1)

John Stewart — Mon, 11 Feb 2019 21:41:42 +0000

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1550004808203{margin-bottom: 15px !important;}”]The importance and influence of design is becoming more and more mainstream. You can design your dream closet, your Paleo-friendly meal kit, your own personalized Nike shoe, and there is even a whole phi- losophy about designing your perfect life and career. So what if I told you that there is a way to design happiness for your customers? It’s not that much of a stretch, really; Disney has been designing happy for decades.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1550004836750{margin-bottom: 15px !important;}”]Tempting your visitors by highlighting the promise of good things to come is another way to build anticipation. So, what is happy, and how do we design to it? Think about this a little deeper with me. In reality, we can only describe an event after it takes place. So, dissecting the experience, we can think of it as a story with three different chapters. 1) The anticipation of the experience, 2) the actual experience itself, and 3) the memory of the experience.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1550004862674{margin-bottom: 15px !important;}”]As operators and designers, we need to get laser-focused on each chapter of the experience, and the opportunities each provides to design happiness for our customers. In the first chapter of this three-part series, we will take a look into the mysterious and compelling force that is anticipation.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/4″][vc_empty_space height=”30px”][vc_single_image image=”1646″ img_size=”full”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”3/4″][vc_custom_heading text=”Chapter 1: Anticipation” font_container=”tag:h2|font_size:20px|text_align:left|color:%23000000|line_height:22px” google_fonts=”font_family:Montserrat%3Aregular%2C700|font_style:700%20bold%20regular%3A700%3Anormal” css=”.vc_custom_1550072680156{margin-top: 20px !important;margin-bottom: 10px !important;}”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1550004999691{margin-bottom: 15px !important;}”]Anticipation is a powerful emotion that many psychologists believe is an integral part of the happiness equation. In fact, studies have shown that most consumers get more satisfac- tion out of the anticipation phase than the acquisition phase. Put yourself in your guests’ shoes for a moment, and think about booking your next vacation. As soon as the trip plan- ning begins, the excitement begins to build. You tell friends.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1550005030660{margin-bottom: 15px !important;}”]You start to picture the ocean, hearing the waves, feeling the splash of water on the deck of the catamaran excursion you booked, or tasting the diver scallops at the beachside restaurant. We tend to experience more intense emotions about future events than those in the past, so there is a key opportunity here to build up the hype to happiness for your customers by engaging their imagination.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1550005059932{margin-bottom: 15px !important;}”]Tapping into the anticipation emotion is part of designing the customer experience, prior to the experience itself. This part of the journey is all about creating curiosity, fantasy and exclusivity.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1550005090948{margin-bottom: 15px !important;}”]In preparation for the launch of The New Revolution Galac- tic Attack, the world’s first virtual/augmented reality roller coaster, the Six Flags Magic Mountain website offers a first- person glimpse into that virtual world, as experienced by the roller coaster rider. As an added kick, they offer an “exclusive chance to be one of the first to ride.”[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1550005115373{margin-bottom: 15px !important;}”]Or take the Fiat Live Store in Brazil, which gives online visi- tors an inside view of cars and features through the store’s live webcam. What can your casino reveal that gives custom- ers something to look forward to? Happiness experts at Stan- ford have proven that anticipating a pleasurable experience feels as good as finishing an important task.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/4″][vc_empty_space height=”30px”][vc_single_image image=”1647″ img_size=”full”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”3/4″][vc_custom_heading text=”Timing” font_container=”tag:h2|font_size:20px|text_align:left|color:%23000000|line_height:22px” google_fonts=”font_family:Montserrat%3Aregular%2C700|font_style:700%20bold%20regular%3A700%3Anormal” css=”.vc_custom_1550072695499{margin-top: 20px !important;margin-bottom: 10px !important;}”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1553188099812{margin-bottom: 15px !important;}”]Creating a sense of urgency and scarcity is nothing new in provoking anticipation; “limited time offer” and “while supplies last” works for a reason; we are hardwired to desire what we perceive as exclusive. It makes us feel special. But let’s look at this from another angle. Take an emerging trend in the hospitality industry, The Branded Experience. Wynd- ham Hotel Group started offering discounted or compli- mentary experiences for its loyalty members, like street food tours in Mexico City or an indoor skydiving experience in Orlando. Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts offers more than 40 different “Extraordinary Experiences,” from reliving the film Pretty Woman in Beverly Hills, to traveling around Southern France and Italy by vintage car (a 1960 Giulietta Spider, for you car buffs).[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]Now, while most can’t offer this elite level of exclusivity, think of how this could translate to your property. What “curated” or branded experience can you offer your customer to continue the anticipation fantasy, and make them feel like they are part of an exclusive club?[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/4″][vc_empty_space height=”30px”][vc_single_image image=”1648″ img_size=”full”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”3/4″][vc_custom_heading text=”Don’t drop the ball” font_container=”tag:h2|font_size:20px|text_align:left|color:%23000000|line_height:22px” google_fonts=”font_family:Montserrat%3Aregular%2C700|font_style:700%20bold%20regular%3A700%3Anormal” css=”.vc_custom_1550072706756{margin-top: 20px !important;margin-bottom: 10px !important;}”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1550005232229{margin-bottom: 15px !important;}”]Okay, so the rooms are booked and the excitement has been mounting, but the anticipation stage doesn’t stop there.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1550005252612{margin-bottom: 15px !important;}”]Remember, your guests have been hyping up this experience for some time, so don’t let the hype plummet before they put their bags in their room. How does your front entry, lobby and guest services continue building upon the excitement and evoke the feelings of curiosity, fantasy and exclusivity?[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1550005425470{margin-bottom: 15px !important;}”]Energizing, fun music as you pull up to the valet or park- ing structure can keep that momentum going and draw your guests inside with anticipation. Take a look at your landscaping and portico. It should be meticulous, speak to your brand, and create an enticing feeling of entering somewhere new. Is there a unique, recognizable scent that greets you upon entry? Scent is our most powerful memory sense, which will come in handy later. Is your lobby designed to give you an alluring hint of what’s around the corner, or does it give it all away at the first glance? Are there teasers of great things to come, like photos of a delicious dinner at the fine dining restaurant, the new 3D slot machine, or the signature drink at the center bar? And are your employees just as excited about offering personalized experiences and services to your guests?[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1550005324492{margin-bottom: 15px !important;}”]You want the initial guest experience to live up to or go beyond their expectations. They should feel enveloped and transported upon entering the property, eager to live out the trip they’ve been imagining for weeks. Again, think about happy as a three-part story. By successfully creating the feeling of anticipation, your guests are led seamlessly into the experience itself, leading to a more fulfilling, gratifying customer experience.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1550072765140{margin-bottom: 15px !important;}”]Originally published in Raving’s Strategic Solutions Magazine, April 2017[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

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