Future more Accessible Spaces

As Jordan Valinsky and Eva Rothenberg report in “Here’s What the Starbucks of the Future Looks Like” (2024, CNN,https://www.cnn.com/2024/02/17/food/starbucks-accessible-store-design/index.html ) Starbucks is making big changes, ones that should make their sites more pleasantly accessible by all.

Valinsky and Rothenberg share that accessibility-augmenting design elements to be used include “softer indoor lighting that ‘minimizes glare, shadow patterns and backlighting.’ . . . The store design will also take acoustics into account by using materials that minimize background noise or echoes, which could disrupt people who use hearing aids. . . . recently, some businesses have instated protocols and features that help reduce overstimulation and sensory overload. . . . new stores will cut back on the front-of-house clutter with a new ‘continuous, unobstructed pedestrian path’ that makes it easier for customers in wheelchairs or motorized scooters to get around the stores. Counters where coffee and food is placed for pick-up will also be lowered to ‘accommodate wheelchair access and support better communication’ between workers and customers, the company said. Other changes include a new register that has a portable, adjustable stand, pictures of food and drink items, as well as voice assistance and screen magnification features.”