Elevator Mirrors: Beyond Reflections
The ingenuity behind elevator mirrors
Happy Monday!
On this edition of Ponder, let's talk about Elevators! (lifts, as they're popularly called).
Have you ever noticed how most elevators have mirrors?
I was en route to a very nerve-wracking presentation one of these days and I found myself asking: forget this presentation (which was a matter of life and death though), why do elevator rides even have mirrors?
Well, I checked. And the reason is worth the read.
Per their function, elevator rides are supposed to be mundane and unremarkable experiences. You press a button, the doors close, and you're transported - dare I say teleported) from one floor to another.
But these are often very tight spaces, and they can trigger claustrophobia (a fear of enclosed spaces) in people who have it, which can make the elevator ride feel quite distressing.
Having a mirror creates the illusion of more space, giving the impression that the elevator is larger and less cramped than it is. It also acts as something to distract them, alleviating the weird feeling of being trapped in a small enclosure.
Plus let's face it, engaging with our reflections and/or simply observing the space around us through the reflections can make the vertical movement feel quicker and less monotonous.
But then it turns out that the Japanese added it for an essential reason - as an accessibility function. You see, because of how tight the spaces in elevators are, persons in wheelchairs struggle to navigate their way into them, which is where mirrors come in.
Mirrors are strategically placed inside elevators to assist wheelchair users who may find it challenging to turn their chairs after boarding. The mirrors allow them to exit the elevator while facing backwards, making the whole experience much easier and more convenient. Such Brilliance!
So the next time you find yourself in an elevator with a mirror, take a moment to appreciate the thought behind this seemingly simple addition. It's a clever design choice to make the ride a little more comfortable and less daunting.
And oh, fun fact: Did you know elevators have 2 doors? Yes. There's one in front of the elevator car itself and another one behind it. The door behind serves a critical safety purpose: it prevents people from accidentally falling down the open shaft. Now you know!
A riddle for you!
There is a man that takes the elevator down from the 21st floor of his apartment building in order to get to work every day. When the workday is over and he comes back home, he takes the elevator to the 15th floor and takes the stairs the rest of the way up.
The only time he goes all the way up to the 21st floor is when there is somebody else in the elevator or if it is raining outside.
Why is this?
Another fun fact: I was asked this question during my interview to join the Central Leadership Program. Find the answer in the next edition.
About Ponder
Ponder, my blog, is my attempt to share my random thoughts with you to inspire you, cause you to challenge your thinking and even make you laugh (Hopefully).
With ponder, you get to explore Minimalism, Christianity, Science, Graphic Design, an annoying appreciation of detail and out-of-the-box thinking. You get to explore all of these from the perspective of an African.
There’s more on my website: joshwordey.org/blog