After reading Don Norman‘s Design of Everyday Things, I’ve become a keen observer of design of everyday objects around us, and how improved design can enhance customer experience.
That’s why I love traveling because it enhances your experience by exposing you to different things, and add to your learnings in most unexpected ways.
From my recent travel trip, here is an example of good vs bad design in public restrooms.
Good:
In one of the restaurants, I came across the restroom door with a foot pull, so you don’t have to use the germ laden handle to pull the door once you’ve washed your hands.
Why doesn’t every public restroom in the world has it?
Bad:
In one of the other restaurants, the hand dryer could only be used if you push the button (see image), and you easily have to tap it twice or thrice to get your hands completely dried.
Why would someone want to touch anything in the restroom once you’ve washed your hands?
Result:
I ended up visiting restaurant with good designed door multiple times (food was not a differentiating factor since it was a fast-food chain).
I never stepped foot again in the restaurant with bad dryer design.
Sometimes, small things can improve user experience that much more.
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