Designing public restrooms involves considerations that can significantly impact user experience, hygiene, and overall functionality. Some of the biggest mistakes in designing public restrooms include:

1. Insufficient Space Planning:
   • Issue: Inadequate space allocation for fixtures and movement can lead to cramped conditions, making it challenging for users, including those with disabilities or caregivers, to navigate comfortably.
   • Impact: Reduced accessibility, user discomfort, and increased congestion during peak times.
2. Poor Ventilation and Lighting:
   • Issue: Inadequate ventilation can lead to unpleasant odors and poor air quality, while insufficient lighting can create shadows and reduce visibility, compromising user safety and comfort.
   • Impact: Increased risk of hygiene issues, discomfort for users, and potential safety hazards.
3. Lack of Privacy:
   • Issue: Inadequate or poorly designed privacy partitions between toilets and urinals can compromise user privacy and dignity.
   • Impact: Discomfort and reluctance to use facilities, especially among users who value privacy, leading to a negative restroom experience.
4. Inadequate Maintenance Access:
   • Issue: Poorly designed layouts that hinder access for cleaning and maintenance staff can result in cleanliness issues and maintenance delays.
   • Impact: Increased likelihood of hygiene-related complaints, diminished restroom cleanliness, and negative perceptions of facility management.
5. Ineffective Waste Management Solutions:
   • Issue: Insufficient waste disposal options, such as insufficient or poorly located waste bins, can lead to litter and unsanitary conditions.
   • Impact: Reduced cleanliness, potential health hazards, and negative perceptions of restroom hygiene.
6. Inappropriate Fixture Selection:
   • Issue: Choosing fixtures that are not suitable for high-traffic environments, such as fragile materials or complex mechanisms, can result in frequent breakdowns and maintenance issues.
   • Impact: Increased maintenance costs, frequent out-of-service incidents, and user inconvenience.
7. Inadequate Accessibility Features:
   • Issue: Failure to comply with accessibility standards, such as insufficient grab bars or non-compliant fixture heights, can exclude users with disabilities.
   • Impact: Limited accessibility, potential legal liabilities, and reduced usability for a significant portion of the population.
8. Neglecting User Comfort and Experience:
   • Issue: Ignoring factors like ergonomic design, comfort amenities (such as seating areas), and aesthetic appeal can lead to a sterile or unwelcoming environment.
   • Impact: Reduced user satisfaction, decreased restroom usage compliance, and negative perceptions of facility quality.

Addressing these design considerations proactively can enhance the functionality, hygiene, and overall user experience of public restrooms, contributing to improved public health and satisfaction.