This episode is part of my ongoing conversation with professionals who are doing cutting-edge work in the fields of tourism and destination development. I’m your host Matthew Thomas, a destination designer who works with communities to use design-thinking, and human-centered design to create magnetic tourism attractions and destinations.

In this episode, I speak with Alex Waffle, who is the co-president of Earthscape —  a design/build firm that specializes in children’s play structures. They are creating some of the most creative play structures I've seen and they plan an important role in destination development. 

Show Notes:

• See Earthscape's play structure photos here
• Superkien public park in Copehagen 
• St. Piet Pier in Florida 

The needs of children and families are often overlooked when we create tourism attractions and destinations. When we’re designing destinations, we can take a human-centered design approach and carefully consider the needs of all the users of that space. Especially kids, because Millennial parents continue don't stop traveling once they have had children. In fact, in the next two years, close to half of Millennial travelers plan to take family vacations, according to a report from Resonance Consulting. 62% of Millennial parents are traveling with kids under the age of 5.

Alex has some great tips to help us design destinations to accommodate kids and families. In this episode, you’ll hear about topics like:

• The sameness of places and how to uncover what makes a destination unique
• Site Context and how play structures can speak to the distinct history, ecology, or culture of a place
• The role of masterplans in developing great destinations  
• Designing experiences
• Connecting destinations to nature
• How to create memorable places for families 

Learn more about how design can help your tourism and destination development work:
www.mdash.consulting
www.linkedin.com/in/matthewhardythomas