Question

How can visibility of a pillar indicate which side of a door is attached to a hinge?

The visibility of a pillar can indicate which side of a door is attached to a hinge by providing a visual cue. If the pillar is visible on one side of the door, it suggests that the door is hinged on that side. This is because the pillar would obstruct the door if it were to swing open from the opposite side. Thus, the visible pillar serves as a design element that subtly communicates how the door operates without the need for explicit instructions.

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For simple designs, like those for a door or kettle, manual instructions to "push" or "pull" should not be necessary. Good design should indicate action by itself. Make a pillar visible so that it's clear which side of a door is attached to a hinge. When simple things are overly complex, Norman writes, "the whole purpose of the design is lost."

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