It’s no secret that this is one of the most important aspects when you’re starting a Family Entertainment Center (FEC), or redesigning it. Although there are plenty of aspects that need to be considered, from architectural and interior design to space requirements and guest experience, this article will walk you through the most important tips you should consider, and maybe answer some of your questions.

Whether you’ve already hired an architect or you’re looking for a design firm, you should remember one aspect: not every architect/designer knows how to design a Family Entertainment Center, that’s why laying out all of your needs and expectations right from the beginning is the most crucial step.

Is there a way to position attractions? Of course. You will find a lot of different approaches from different specialists because every FEC is different. It has different attractions, a different layout and a different demographic. However, visualization is key. When you work with a designer or an architect, or whether you have an inside team, you should be analyzing all the key elements when it comes to your attractions and the overall vibe your FEC has.

Create the attractions flow intuitively, with specific signage – put thought and attention in all small details.

When you choose how to position your attractions and the rest of the elements that can be found in your center, you’ll have to create a flow within your attraction mix. Thus, you’ll have to pay extra attention to all the elements that may not seem as relevant at first.

Did you know that it takes about 8 seconds to make a first impression? When a new guest will enter your center, they will have to be guided throughout the center in a natural manner.

Let’s take a simple example. Your guest will enter your venue, and let’s say they will find the counter to their right. That is the main interaction point. How you choose to position the attractions from there, is vital. You should be guiding the guest naturally to your attractions (have them be seen by them easily) without actually them realizing you’re guiding them. It’s a natural attitude of “pull and draw”.

As mentioned in this article, you need to focus your attention at first on those “anchor attractions”. There are those types of attractions that have been on the market for a long time. Moreover, these attractions generate gross revenue equal or exceeding the cost of your investment. Every FEC starts with a base of what the industry calls “core attractions” or “anchor attractions”.

The way you choose to position your attractions in your center is an important factor to the overall guest experience. While waiting in line for an attraction, people should know what other options are there. Thus, the attractions have to be visible from the key points of the center. For example, if you have bowling as your core attraction, it shouldn’t be hidden or separated from the arcades, VR Arena or any other attraction.

It’s the design of the facility that will enhance the guest experience. In order to optimize your venue’s potential, you’ll have to understand what is the demographic you’re targeting through the design of your facility. In order to make that happen, you’ll need to go through a couple of crucial steps that’ll meet your long-term expectations.

As the design of your center is something you don’t change every year, you’ll have to see what is new and exciting for your guests, and what can capture your customer’s attention.

RELATED: Guest Experience Transformation in Entertainment Venues 2021

Your Family Entertainment Center should be designed for those peak periods, such as parties, events, and weekends. This means that you’ll have to design the space quite fluid and easy. People will go from one point to the other, while still maintaining a spacious, light, and airy feel to the facility.

Building a story around your center through design is a very important element you should consider when designing a new facility. You have a lot of options to align your brand’s identity with the elements in your center.

For example, while flooring can be something that’s easily overlooked, it can be an opportunity to showcase your identity. This past year has caused multiple design alterations by adding different flooring signage. However, you can get guests in and out of the facility in a safe manner, while implementing that more creatively. Brand your flooring with your identity.

Your facility should be fun and easy to explore by your guests. According to your budget and site plan, your design can be as creative as possible. You can easily combine architectural elements with your attractions and food and beverage.

5 Things to Consider When Designing a Family Entertainment Center