Table Trouble

One of the most common design failures that hinders us without really grabbing our attention is found within tables.  Generally speaking, if a table is approximately 3-5" above or below the average table height when sitting(hip height), then we will find some other way to do a task that we would normally use the table for.  Many examples of this can be found on our college campus, especially in the lobby of one of the most popular buildings at the school.

This particular image describes exactly what I am referring to with the dilemma of the table height.  The height of the table would mean that the user with the computer would have to bend over in an uncomfortable position in order to be used.  Because of the inconvenience with the table, the user now puts the computer on his lap and resorts to another way to complete his task.

Above is another example of how the original purpose of the table is not being used and has actually resorted to being used for other purposes.  This image doesn't show the complete body of the individual with her feet on the table, but she's holding her note pad and writing on her lap.  Instead of using the table for its original purpose, it is now being used as a foot rest while she completes her task in a different manner.  Because of the mental model of a table, most individuals try to complete their task on the table like they normally would.  However, because of design flaws the table is used for other purposes.

Lighting Situation on Campus

Since moving into a suite on my college campus, I've found a couple crucial design flaws with the rooms.  However the most noticeable problem deals with the lighting placement for my bathroom.  One would think that if you have a small corridor with a sink and mirror and inside the corridor is a small separate section with the shower and toilet that there would be two light switches so the person on the outside can't control the shower light.

Well on this campus that isn't the case.  Within our bathroom section I have one light switch to control all lighting for both sections.  Located over five feet from the inside of the shower section, anybody could walk in and leave you in the dark if you're in the shower section causing some potential issues.  I believe that when they first installed the lighting system for our dorm that they felt that only having one switch could save money and fulfill multiple tasks with just one switch.  However after usability testing by individuals actually living in the dorm, having more then one switch would be much more practical.  The picture below shows the lighting situation within the room in my dorm.

Welcome to the blog about, welp just about everything! 

This blog will primarily be about how we interact with objects in our every day life and how most of the things we use everyday, aren't actually designed for normal people to use.

This blog will include specific examples of objects found here on a college campus that are placed in areas where the normal person struggles todo a simple task.