David Marshall 5/23/16 David Marshall 5/23/16

We've Been Warned

Warning signs and labels are everywhere these days, protecting us from ourselves in ways most probably never thought would be necessary. "Careful, the beverage you're about to enjoy is extremely hot" is one of my favorites. Thanks for the heads-up, Starbucks! Because of their ubiquity it's easy to become desensitized and not take them as seriously as perhaps we should.

While on vacation several years ago in Kauai I discovered a few signs that were hard to ignore.

While on vacation several years ago in Kauai I discovered a few signs that commanded attention through blunt language and vivid imagery, describing scenarios you would take just just about any precaution to avoid. Looking back on them, they are excellent examples of user experience design. When I saw them I thought, "That is good to know. Thanks for the heads-up!" And I wasn't the least bit sarcastic.

David Marshall 5/10/15 David Marshall 5/10/15

Shower Power

A thoughtful shower control making travel just a little bit more comfortable.

As a regular business traveler I have become especially appreciative of the little things that make staying in a new environment even just a little bit easier. I've found showers to be particularly finicky, inducing questions to myself such as "did I turn it the wrong way or does it just take a while to heat up?"

When I discovered this shower knob at the Grange Holborn in London I thought it was absolutely brilliant. This little bit of reassurance is just what a tired traveler needs. Not only is it clearly labled, but it physically "clicks" into a comfortable temperature of 38C (100.4F), so you know you've set it correctly. It's the kind of thing that, once you've seen it, makes you wonder why all showers aren't built this way?

Now if they would just put an outlet near the bed so I can plug in my phone...