Comments on: Does Anyone Else Confuse The “Door Open” and “Door Close” Buttons?

By: Ole Gregersen

Ole Gregersen — Mon, 25 May 2009 15:13:42 +0000

I have noticed that many newer elevators (I live in Denmark), only have the Open button. This makes it a lot easier. Closing the doors can only be activated by waiting (and after pressing a floor button). Which I also think makes sence, thinking of the mental model: I press the button, I await the lift. If I want to keep doors open, I press button. Simple…

By: Ole Gregersen

Ole Gregersen — Mon, 25 May 2009 11:13:42 +0000

By: lisarex

lisarex — Tue, 12 May 2009 14:41:43 +0000

I too have that problem! I thought it was just shape dyslexia, but your explanation makes sense to me too. Glad it's not just me shutting elevator doors in people's faces….

By: g caldwell

g caldwell — Sun, 03 May 2009 19:54:39 +0000

Long ago, the buttons were red and white (I can't remember which was open and which was close) and clearly labeled. I also think they used to be at eye level, which makes a lot more sense. I can understand that they were of little use to a blind person, but that problem was hardly alleviated by putting them where almost nobody sees them or knows which is which.

By: Paul Sherman

Paul Sherman — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 15:57:21 +0000

Yes! That gets on my nerves all the time. -Paul

By: uidesigner

uidesigner — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 15:40:00 +0000

Yes I end up hitting the wrong button every time. Another annoying think I notice are the credit card scan systems at office max, pet smart, etc have the cancel and confirm buttons moved around from the “norm.” Some even have the colors switched red and green. How many times have clicked cancel when you mean to click continue on those machines.

By: Jeff

Jeff — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 13:24:58 +0000

Ditto. I've gotten to the point where sometimes, particularly when the elevators are bust, that I'll study those darn things ahead of time so I know which is which.

By: Sabrina Klein

Sabrina Klein — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 04:05:29 +0000

Hmm… I can see your point for sure, but I don't have a problem with these particular buttons. I did however, enjoy your post about the refrigerator door with the 'Open here' sign. Classic!

By: Tracy

Tracy — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 02:57:56 +0000

All the flippin' time. Exact same mental processing as you describe. The icons make sense when I stop to process them. But the purpose of icons is to convey meaning in an instant without having to parse.