One thing that drives me crazy is the automatic doors at the D2 Dining Hall. These doors tend to close too quickly, often shutting in people’s faces and making them difficult to reopen. This creates frustration, especially during busy meal times when students are entering and exiting frequently. The problem seems to stem from poor sensor placement or improper programming of the doors’ timing mechanisms.
This is us:
To improve this, the sensors should be recalibrated to ensure they detect approaching individuals from a greater distance and remain open long enough for safe passage. A more intuitive design could also incorporate clear signifiers—such as visible sensors or a light indicator—to communicate to users when the doors are about to close. These adjustments would align with Don Norman’s design principles, particularly the importance of discoverability, ensuring that users can easily and safely navigate the entryway.
How it feels to enter just before the door closes:
In Interactive Media, clear conceptual models help users predict how a system functions. For example, a digital audio workstation (DAW) for music production should visually resemble a real mixing console, helping users transfer their real-world knowledge to the digital interface. If a system’s structure contradicts user expectations, such as a website with illogical navigation, it creates confusion. So, a well-designed user interface (UI) ensures that users do not have to guess where to tap or click. This aligns with Norman’s principles of design, particularly discoverability, feedback, and conceptual models, which are highly relevant to interactive media