Elevator ‘close’ button
In the building where I’m currently working, I think I’ve found the first “close doors” button on an elevator that actually does something.
I might have come across one other elevator where the close button causes the doors to close. I’ve heard that it’s always put there, but not hooked up to anything - to provide psychological relief while waiting - to give the occupants a sense of control. Is this true, or are the door close alogorithms such that pressing the button normally has no effect?
I am not alone in considering the door close algolrithms. Apparently having a door close button that works is considered a feature by some lift manufacturers.
The User Interface on elevators is highly variable and most questionable.
And another thing: what’s this fascination with refurbishing elevators, with the shiny mirrors, the inlaid wood panelling, halogen downlights and computerised displays featuring today’s weather forecast - but an ongoing inability to tell which floor they’re on, nor operate in a manner that even the occupants of the elevator can tell is an efficient journey-planning mechanism?
Are elevators something that has preoccupied our readers’ attentions? Do they wish to rant?
February 26th, 2006 at 23:46
The ups and downs of lifts
February 27th, 2006 at 11:43
The lifts at my current workplace are really weird.
Outside the lift, there are two buttons to call a lift, up and down. However, when you push one, they’re both lit up and the lift stops regardless of it’s direction and your requested direction.
So we’re on the 3rd floor. If I push the ‘going down’ button, the lift will still stop for me on the way up to the 4th floor… Madness.
February 27th, 2006 at 16:49
The “close door” buttons on our lifts do close the doors so your building is not unique. However I find the button labelling confusing. Rather than being simply labelled “Open” or “Close” they are labelled “” and “>|