A Trip to the DMV

Last week, I had to venture out to get a replacement copy of my Social Security card and to renew my driver's license. Maybe not surprisingly, the outing gave me the opportunity to really appreciate how color affects those waiting for hours in a confined space. 

The Social Security office building was much like a doctor's office. The waiting room was painted a soft, warm peach color, which was actually quite soothing. It was as though a team of color psychologists had come in and given a color prognosis. Everyone in the room seemed relaxed and chatted quietly or read. When the administrators came out to call the next person, it was done so calmly and everyone paid attention. 

Conversely, my trip to the DMV was not as pleasant. The office was housed in an older 1960s government-issued building. The colors throughout the waiting area were a disorderly mix of dirty mint greens and grays. Needless to say, the hapless souls waiting for their number to be called looked haggard and weary and the two and a half hours seemed endless People were restless and upset (I couldn't believe my seven-year-old outlasted me in patience. For that I will forever be grateful!).  

I couldn't help but think what a different experience the DMV trip could have been by simply changing the color of the paint and the lighting. I would love the chance to go there with our team and repaint the place in the same soothing peach colors from the Social Security building.