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?
The ups and downs of lifts
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.
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 “>|