Wednesday, March 5, 2003

Bad Designs: Who Left the Coffee Maker On?

Bad Designs: Who Left the Coffee Maker On?
[人因工程 ]
(2003/03/05)



Bad Designs: Who Left the Coffee Maker On?

This picture shows my coffee maker. It works pretty well except for one problem. The on/off switch in front of the coffee maker located about 1/2 inch above the bottom can be easily activated by accidently pushing a sponge or dinner plate against it. I noticed this problem when the cleaning lady accidently turned it on, twice, while cleaning the kitchen. Good thing it didn't burn the house down.

Design Recommendations:

When you decide where to place a control, you need to consider the environment it is used in.

Editor's Comments:

This example provides a clue as to why good design is so rare. Good design is no easy matter. Good design does not "just happen". If a design "just happens" chances are it's bad design. Even Germany's Braun, one of the finest appliance manufacturers in the world, with some of the best industrial designers in their employ can screw up on occasion. [Full Disclosure: I myself am the proud owner of many well-designed Braun and Krups appliances.]

-- Bevin Chu

Explanation: Bad Designs: Who Left the Coffee Maker On?
Illustration: Bad Designs: Who Left the Coffee Maker On?
Author: Michael Darnell
Affiliation: Bad Designs
Source: www.baddesigns.com
Publication Date: 1996-1999
Original Language: English
Editor: Bevin Chu, Registered Architect

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