Door design has been discussed infinite time, but still I feel there is a need to do it infinite plus one more time. I am specifically targetting the doors of common entrances, i.e., with high usage and infrequent locking requirements.Like any other well designed thing, a door handle has a very sygnificant role in guiding the user actions. A well designed door eliminates/reduces any use of guiding texts.
Typically there are 2 kinds of door based on the way it opens:
1> Push door
2> Pull door
There are multiple factors involved in deciding the type of door. The most common factors are :
1> Location : (e.g., Entry Only, Exit Only, Entry/Exit doors, Hospital doors, Restaurant doors, etc)
2> Usage : ( Service doors, High usage public entrances ,etc)
3> Category of users: ( different types of challenged people)
For example, let's consider the following scenario ( depicted in the picture)
It's an entrance only door of a house. All the entrance doors should be push doors;
The reasons are :
1> Push doors are easier to open,
2> Easier, if the user is carrying a lot of stuff.
3> Push doors opens inside, hence not blocking the common passage.
In the image you can see that a pull handle is provided, confusing the user whether to pull or push.The pull handle suggests that the door should open by pulling the handle.
Different types of push doors could be
1> For entrances :
2> For exits :
Pull doors are found in various types, the basic feature is the pull handle which is to be held and pulled to open the door.
There are funky door handles available in the market to suit the aesthetics of the ambience.
So, next time you find difficulty opening a door, it's not your fault, it's the designers fault.
References:
1> Design of everyday things : by Donald A. Norman.
