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Show HN: Elevators

1668 points · 413 comments · Jrh0203

  1. olex · · focus · HN ↗
    The biggest problem I always have with elevators is not the algorithm, it's the people seemingly being unable to grasp the concept of pressing either the up or the down request button, depending on where they want to go. Almost always I find someone will press both, because "then the elevator comes faster". Completely ignoring the fact that they end up going the wrong way first half the time, and adding an unnecessary halt for everyone already in there. How hard can it be to understand?..
    1. Georgelemental · · focus · HN ↗
      I don't think I've ever seen someone do that
      1. summermusic · · focus · HN ↗
        I haven't ever seen anyone do this in the United States, but I saw it in China and Italy.
        1. esperent · · focus · HN ↗
          I've never seen anyone do this anywhere in the world including Italy.

          I've never been to China but wouldn't you learn quickly after getting in an elevator going the wrong way not to do that again?

          The only exception I can see if there's way more people than elevators and you just need to get spot at all costs.

          1. the_af · · focus · HN ↗
            My wife always randomly hits the up or down button, then gets upset if I explain why she should only pick the one she really wants. She forgets the next time. I think some people never really understand how elevators work.

            See also: the keep open / close doors button. I had one building administrator explain to me we should add a delay of 10 seconds to the "quickly shut door" button because otherwise she kept getting her arm hit by the door. When I asked why we would add a delay to the button that's meant to reduce delays (why not simply wait for the door to close on its own, then?), and whether we should fix the sensor that prevents doors from closing if there's an obstacle instead, she just kept staring blankly at me. I don't think she understood me at all.

            Again, some people simply don't grasp how elevators work.

            1. superhuzza · · focus · HN ↗
              I fear in both cases, its not a lack of understanding of elevators but of common sense...
              1. contingencies · · focus · HN ↗
                For these people, replace the buttons entirely with a voice-activated destination request on proximity.
                1. superhuzza · · focus · HN ↗
                  Full circle back to elevator operators!
                  1. chuckadams · · focus · HN ↗
                    More like Star Trek turbolifts. Make them grab the handle first for that TOS feel.
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