The influence of interior design on business performance: the case of selected restaurants in Nairobi Central Business District, Kenya

Abstract

This study sought to establish the fact that distinctive interior environments enrich lives and deliver economic returns. The findings of this study were important implications on ways in I, which design is being utilized in the hospitality industries to promote efficiency, comfort and value to guests' experience. These areas, in turn, could positively contribute to businesses' well-being. This exploratory study investigated an area that to date, despite its fundamental importance, has received limited attention in different fronts, including in academic research. The research methodology of choice was mixed model research design; Quantitative and Qualitative approaches are mixed within the stages of the research process.

The population of the study comprised of food outlets appearing under 'restaurant' category in the 2012 Telkom Kenya Nairobi directory based within the Nairobi central business district. Krejcie and Morgan Formulae was used to select the sample for the study. Data was collected using questionnaires, informal interviews and observation schedule. In analyzing the data collected, the Statistical Package for Social Scientists (SPSS) computer software package was used because of its capacity to statistically analyze data with speed and accuracy. The study established that the restaurants had complied with ergonomics requirement to improve human well-being as well as overall restaurant performance.

The study further established that majority of the restaurants still are challenged to substantiate the value of branding in clear financial terms, thus they are not investing heavily on advertising campaigns. The study results indicated that majority of the restaurants playa wide genre of music that their customers like. The colours they are using in the restaurants are visually pleasant to their customers and that their lighting is moderately bright, beautiful and appealing to their customers. Majority of the restaurant do not treat design as an integral part of their business strategy that can add rneaaurabte value to their perforrriance and create a more sustainable business for the future.

The study concludes that majority of the restaurants had complied with most of the ergonomics requirements such as working environment been enabling to the disabled, furniture been comfortable to use, and work environment not clattered with furniture and equipment. The study concludes that majority of the restaurants had acted in accordance to the ambience customers like such as wide genre of music and appealing colours. The study research further concludes that not all the restaurants had their lighting as bright, beautiful and appealing to their customers. On organisational strategies and goals, the study concludes that effective design can make an important contribution to business success.

The study further concludes that majority of the restaurant should treat design as an integral part of their business strategy that can add measurable value to their performance and create a more sustainable business for the future. The study recommends that restaurants should invest in interior design of their businesses; this is because it greatly influences the performance of restaurants within the retail industry. The study recommends on ergonomics that working counters should be made comfortable and working environment enabling for the disabled. The study recommends that on branding restaurant ought to participate in advertising campaigns often.

The study recommends that restaurants should make their lighting as bright, beautiful and appealing to their customers. Finally the study recommends that restaurant should treat design as an integral part of their business strategy that can add measurable value to their performance and create a more sustainable business for the future. The researcher recommends that a similar study should be taken in a different geographical set up to verify the fmdings of this study. The researcher further recommends that future researchers should do research on customers' preference on Interior design of a business.