Licence to Slow Down: An Unhurried Checkout Experience

MIND-research group of Aalto University works together with the Finnish Service Foundation for People with an Intellectual Disability on a research project that looks into the every day needs of intellectually disabled youngsters. One early finding has been the contradictory feelings associated with grocery shopping; on one hand the trip to the supermarket was a highlight of the week, but on the other hand, the youngsters found the experience very stressful - both physically and cognitively. This shopping experience was just one example of the generally hectic pace of everyday activities at large, which is threatening to become a barrier to many.

This is how the idea of an unhurried checkout at a Finnish supermarket was born. The project is now in pilot test stage, and for one week, from 10am to 8pm one checkout at the supermarket is reserved for the unhurried experience. The cashier serves each customer according to their individual needs, and help is provided from placing the purchases on the checkout belt, to the payment, and finally to the packing. The social needs of the youngsters were taken as the starting point, and the service was designed to assist the everyday chores and to support the independence of the intellectually disabled. For example a relaxed waiting area was set up next to the check out, which turns the queuing into a chance to sit, relax, and socialize. 

The experiment has received plenty of interest and positive attention. The users and the supermarket have provided feedback for improvements. Interestingly, the unhurried checkout cashier is now the most popular among the supermarket employees. It has also turned out that an unhurried checkout service has been a secret wish of a larger target group than initially imagined - e.g. the elderly. This new and socially active operating model seems to have a rather large clientele.

UPDATE

• Springwise reports on Licence to Slow Down
• K-Citymarket Press release