Frustration of opening the door
1
Writing
Design Notes
A collection of short, reflective notes on everyday design, user experience, and the little details that shape how we move through the world.
Observations from real life, moments of friction, ideas for what could be better, and what I'm learning along the way.
Viewpoint
Which side should I use, and should I push or pull?
Experience
When I was new on campus, this door made me pause almost every time. I learned to push it, but the handle still made the correct side unclear.
Possible solution
Place a simple push plate on the side meant to be pushed. A handle is not needed there.
Confusing sign
2
Viewpoint
The sign says "Look two ways," but it is almost parallel to the road. Which two directions should I look?
Experience
I first looked forward and backward because the sign appeared to refer to the sidewalk. Then I realized it was pointing toward the light rail tracks.
Possible solution
Use a rail symbol and align the sign with the tracks so the intended direction is clear.
Took a while to get the sign
3
Viewpoint
The sign takes too long to understand at a glance.
Experience
At an intersection, I needed a few seconds to understand that vehicles could not turn right at that signal. In traffic, that delay can matter.
Possible solution
Use a clearer traffic symbol that communicates the restriction instantly.
Frustrating heating device
4
Viewpoint
Are the numbers minutes or seconds?
Experience
I was trying to heat food and could not tell what unit the device was using. Microwaves and ovens often create this same small but frustrating confusion.
Possible solution
Label the unit clearly as minutes or seconds near the time control.
Unclear power label
5
Viewpoint
Does the highlighted "Power" label mean low power, or that the power is on?
Experience
While heating food, I wondered whether the device was warning me about battery power or simply showing that it was powered on.
Possible solution
Separate the power state from other labels, or use a distinct color and clearer wording.
Unpleasing floor dryer
6
Viewpoint
The dryer solved one problem while spreading another.
Experience
The device was drying a wet locker-room floor, but it also circulated a bad smell through the closed space.
Possible solution
Add a replaceable fragrance or filtration feature, and make cleaning maintenance more visible.
Confusing text
7
Viewpoint
The language makes the date hard to understand.
Experience
The poster mentioned a last day but also showed a range of dates, which made the message feel contradictory.
Possible solution
Use one clear date statement and separate the schedule range from the final-day notice.
Frustrating package design
8
Viewpoint
The package looks like an ointment tube.
Experience
When my knee hurt, I saw the tube quickly and thought I had found ointment. It turned out to be mouth freshener.
Possible solution
Use packaging that better matches the product category and avoids medical-product cues.
Frustrating alarm
9
Viewpoint
The frequency is too loud to withstand.
Experience
The alarm went off without an emergency, forcing everyone outside and interrupting work for a long time.
Possible solution
Keep the alarm urgent but less painful, and support false-alarm handling where possible.
Unpleasant soap dispenser
10
Viewpoint
The dispenser is mounted too high for comfortable use.
Experience
Before handling food at work, I tried to wash my hands and had to bend my wrist awkwardly to press the dispenser.
Possible solution
Mount the dispenser at a more comfortable height for a wider range of users.
Confusing platform sign
11
Viewpoint
It is unclear which direction requires the other platform.
Experience
On my way to the airport, I could not tell whether Phoenix and Airport trains were on the other platform or whether Mesa was.
Possible solution
Separate the sections more clearly, reduce distracting black strips, and highlight "Use other platform".
Confusing microwave
12
Viewpoint
Is the display showing a countdown or the current time?
Experience
I looked back and thought the food had been heating for 3 minutes and 28 seconds. It was actually the clock.
Possible solution
Show AM or PM for clock mode, or visually separate clock time from active cooking time.
Unpleasant shop board
13
Viewpoint
Is this a repeated shop name or a phrase trying to say something?
Experience
While shopping at the mall, the board felt confusing, unattractive, and hard to interpret as a brand message.
Possible solution
Use a clearer display pattern that supports recognition instead of repetition that reads as noise.
Inefficient text
14
Viewpoint
Vertical text is slower to read than horizontal text.
Experience
In an emergency, even a small reading delay matters. The vertical wording makes the label harder to process quickly.
Possible solution
Keep the text horizontal, legible, and fitted within the available space.
Inefficient sign
15
Viewpoint
Finding the mobile app is a hassle.
Experience
While waiting under the sun for a late bus, I had to search for the app before I could track the shuttle.
Possible solution
Add a QR code that opens the tracking app or download page directly.
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