Usability is not just for websites you know. The principles of usability must surely be considered in the design of any product, virtual or real. If so, then what was going on when the recycling bins at TMW were designed. We have had the same bins for at least a couple of years now, and still, every single day, I have to force myself to read the bins before giving up and shoving the waste in one of them. They are just so bad, on so many levels.
Firstly, they are identical in size and shape, only differentiated since one of them has a white top and one has an orange top. Both have large recycle logos on the front, even though one is for non recyclables. The bin for recyclables is orange. Why? Since when did orange mean recylcle. They both have words on the lid, setting out what can and also what cant be put in each bin. Yet, that serves only to further confuse having both positives and negatives on each bin. Both the holes are the same size. Sandwich boxes tend to be made up of plastic film and cardboard - what happens to them? Empty drink bottles are still a bit damp - do they count as wet waste?
So, almost every day, I need to stand in front of the bins, read the words, and still not know what to do with my sandwich box,
Can anyone suggest any other products in your offices which are more poorly designed than these?
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