Sometimes There's An Easier Way

One of the great things about technology is how it always seems to solve our problems. Science-fiction movies often show a future world where robots do all of our hard work for us. This may not turn out to be the case: a computer with a monotone voice doesn't have to be part of the solution. Sometimes the technology behind improving a way of life is just a simple trick that plays off our instincts.

One way to improve traffic flow at a busy intersection could be the addition of new lane. Maybe a detour for one direction or even a big old bridge that elevates one lane above the others! The great northern state of Minnesota is trying a new implementation of a technology that already exists. When we pull up to a flashing yellow light, we've learned to look around before continuing. Some traffic lights in Minnesota now have flashing yellow left-turn signals that allow a turn lane to go even when the opposite direction has a green light. It increases traffic flow while keeping a safety measure in place, and only from adding one extra light to each traffic signal.

Sometimes making it simple means introducing big, colorful buttons. This is true for pumps at a national gas station chain, which include printed instructions for their pay-at-the-pump service. The problem is, pictures of the buttons are printed in the directions. The end result? Customers try to press the colorful text in the instructions, rather than the actual buttons. (from Cabel Sasser) So when trying to simplify, remember that the end result might just be confusion.

Perhaps the most famous examples of a simple way to solve a problem are the flies in Amsterdam's urinals. I don't need to go into the problem faced by most urinals, so I'll just leave it at "splashing." Instead of building barriers around each urinal or installing mats on the floor, a little fly is painted inside each urinal and it fixes the problem. (from Reading Eagle) The fly taps into every man's deepest instinct of, well, peeing on a target. So with each fly strategically placed to minimize splashback, the job of keeping the restrooms clean is done by the restroom-goers themselves.

So what's the story? Sometimes technology doesn't mean introducing electronic gizmos to the scene. Sometimes all it takes is a little graphic or sound to augment an experience, rather than a complete overhaul. Whether it's managing cars at an intersection or controlling for some men in a hurry, it's worth the while to consider a simple solution.