New Study Reveals How Combining Unisex and Gender-Specific Restrooms Can Slash Wait Times and Promote True Inclusivity Where It Matters Most
New Management Science Study Key Takeaways:
- Introducing unisex restrooms alongside traditional gender-segregated facilities significantly reduces wait times and improves user satisfaction.
- A mixed restroom design approach outperforms fully unisex models by providing more options and addressing diverse user needs more effectively.
- Designing inclusive restrooms requires balancing efficiency, equity, and user experience, ensuring equitable access for all individuals.
BALTIMORE, MD, Jan. 13, 2026 – Next time you're at a concert, sports game, or crowded event, your restroom experience might be a lot better thanks to new research published in the INFORMS Journal Management Science. The study offers a game-changing approach to restroom inclusivity by combining unisex (all-gender) restrooms with traditional men's and women's facilities, making venues more efficient and welcoming for everyone.
"This isn't just about improving efficiency. It's about making sure everyone, regardless of their gender identity or presentation, feels welcome and supported when they walk into a restroom," said Setareh Farajollahzadeh of McGill University. "True inclusivity means providing equitable access for everyone, and our research shows a practical way to do that."
The researchers conducted a comprehensive analysis of restroom designs to determine how best to address the ongoing issue of restroom disparities in public venues. Through their study, they found that a balanced approach—providing both gender-segregated restrooms alongside unisex stalls—offered the most effective solution. This approach not only improved efficiency by offering more options to users but also significantly reduced average wait times for everyone.
The findings demonstrated that moderate flexibility, achieved by integrating unisex and traditional restrooms, outperformed designs relying exclusively on unisex facilities. By acknowledging and addressing diverse user needs, this approach promotes inclusivity and efficiency simultaneously.
“Designing restrooms that consider the needs of all users is crucial,” continued Farajollahzadeh, Assistant Professor of Operations Management in the Desautles Faculty of Management from McGill. “By combining unisex and traditional restrooms, we can create spaces that are both efficient and inclusive.”
Co-author Ming Hu at the University of Toronto, added, “This research serves as a crucial lesson for both policymakers and designers. True inclusivity requires balancing technical optimization with empathy and a deep understanding of human behavior.”
The findings of the study, “Potty Parity,” are especially relevant as venues around the world seek ways to enhance user experiences and make public spaces more accommodating. Whether at sports arenas, concert halls, or theme parks, restroom accessibility remains a critical issue impacting overall customer satisfaction and inclusivity.
A companion case of the study, published in INFORMS Journal Transactions on Education in September 2025, coauthored by Setareh Farajollahzadeh, Ming Hu, and Vahid Roshanaei, was awarded the first place in the 2024 INFORMS Case Competition.
“This isn’t just about efficiency; it’s about ensuring equitable access for all. The strategies we identify can be applied to a wide range of public venues, from stadiums to shopping malls, to make them more welcoming and accessible,” concluded Farajollahzadeh of McGill University.
Read the full study here.
About INFORMS and Management Science and Transactions on Education
INFORMS is the world’s largest association for professionals and students in operations research, AI, analytics, data science, and related disciplines, serving as a global authority in advancing cutting-edge practices and fostering an interdisciplinary community of innovation. Transactions on Education, a leading INFORMS journal, publishes outstanding research with the mission of advancing O.R., management science, and analytics education at all levels worldwide. Learn more at www.informs.org or @informs.
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