12 Branch Design Trends to Watch for in 2016

Anticipating what kind of branch designs will lead the pack among financial institutions for 2016?  We’re right there with you.

We scoured the web, asked the pros, interviewed interior designers and architects, and even analyzed our own recent branch transformation projects to find out what materials, strategies, and concepts will be coming to branches near you in 2016.

So, without further ado, here are 12 trends that will define branch design in the year to come.

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1. Hyper-local Designs

Hyper-local initiatives are gaining momentum as generic, faceless retail concepts fail to inspire consumers tired of mass marketing. By incorporating unique features that align to the spirit of local areas, FIs are creating incredible spaces with personalities that reflect real emotion.

2. Open Environments

Creating environments that support collaborative selling and advising continue to dominate. Teller lines and cash drawers are being eliminated and replaced with desks or pods powered by cash automation technology.

3. Geometric Patterns

With the emergence of 3D Printers and Laser Cutters, the use of powerful geometric patterns is exploding in the design world. These designs create a much-needed visual escape from reality–think Disneyland or Vegas hotels.

4. Feature Lights

Creative lighting draws the eye and produces feelings of excitement and wonder. The future is bright for feature lights in branches to provide a more memorable and desirable experience for consumers.

5. Natural Aesthetics

Whether it’s at work, shopping, or even in their cars, people constantly feel “trapped” indoors. Studies show an ambiance connecting people back to nature and green spaces actually makes them feel happier.

6. Memorable Experiences

FIs are struggling to find ways to un-commoditize what the market believes to be a commodity. To stand out from the crowd and differentiate, signature items like mural walls, games, digital signage, rock-climbing, and bold branding elements are finding their way into design.

7. Community Destinations

Appreciate and recognize the communities that you serve with spaces that offer value-added services for small business owners and community groups.  Things like meeting rooms, free-Wi-Fi, conference areas and technology are making a big play in FIs, trying to lure consumers away from café’s and into the branch.

8. Smaller Spaces

Using technology to their advantage, modern designers can be delightfully inventive when it comes to maximizing space efficiency while emphasizing essential branch products and services.  Smaller, highly automated branches also create major cost savings, so it’s no surprise it’s a growing trend.

9. Acoustic Engineering

As more FIs move to open plans, the need for designs and elements that reduce unwanted noise continues to grow.  Acoustic engineering can find the perfect place between private and inviting spaces.

10. High Contrast

Upping your branch’s contrast will have enormous visual draw and dramatic curb appeal–both huge wins for FIs. Additionally, strategically weaving brand awareness into spaces using bold colors surrounded by muted colors can really make your brand pop.

11. Interactive Digital Signage

51% of consumers want proactive product recommendations for their financial needs—but, need help discovering the services offered. Using Digital Signage to drive both sales and enhance the experience is creating the personalized experience digitally-connected consumers expect.

12. Consistency Across Network

More and more FIs are realizing that consistency creates strength in brand–and are now striving to create a repeatable, sustainable, and cost effective channel plan that includes a distinct kit of parts for each branch segment.