More Travisher Talk

Holding and Grinding

I’m fascinated by the topic of way finding in design. It’s the way a space, such as an airport can guide unfamiliar users through a complex space to their destination. Of course signage plays a role, but other aspects of the architecture can make moving through the space in the correct direction just “seem” right. I love it when I am in an environment that nails it and get noticeably agitated when it doesn’t. I recall one museum in Australia I was thoroughly enjoying but had to leave because I kept walking in circles and the confusion and frustration was more than the curiosity.

This is part of the way design manages and impacts use, and in the case of my time at the museum, emotion. If you are really interested in this stuff, this is the book. The author is even honored with the descriptive of a “Norman Door”, which is a door that’s unclear whether it’s meant to be pushed or pulled.

I put a lot of tools in peoples hands for the first time. “This is a “blank”, it’s used for “blank””… I try to make tools that meet the new user closer to their instinct. Most tools do take some instruction, but there are usually lots of hints. It’s always fascinating to watch folks try to interpret the tool and use it just by the design alone. Here is a video with some tips that may not be your first instinct, but once you use the tools this way, it will seem obvious.

Here’s a video on grinding the travisher blade. I know this is very far from an obvious activity for folks. I’ve been trying to slowly bring you along with the grinder as your new best friend, this is just one more play date worth having. As usual, the light touch and fluid motion wins the day.