I scream, you scream, we all scream for ice cream!

Every summer, like anyone else, we look forward to ice cream.  The only thing we don’t look forward to is trying to decipher the different cone options, especially when each establishment has its own name for the different cones.

This week some customer minded (or exasperated from repeating the same answer daily) employee finally created some signage.  We can finally make our cone selections confidently.  Thank you for this homemade but helpful sign.

Let’s just hope they do this again next summer.

New ADA Interior Signage Rules

You may or may not be aware that on March 15, 2012, new requirements for interior signs took effect under ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act).

Under these new rules, guidelines are outlined for typography, signage location, visual characters and even signage glare.

Although these guidelines are intended to assist the visually impaired, these requirements really assist all of us (universal design – i.e. curb cuts on sidewalk makes things easier for people with wheelchairs, strollers, shopping carts, etc.).  By setting a standard, the ADA is ensuring consistency and continuity, making our wayfinding experience easier.  Thank you ADA.

Everyday Usability: Reserving a Library Computer

We’ve found that computer reservation processes at many libraries can be quite complicated and confusing. Chicago Public Library does it right with task/action-oriented signage: “Reserve a Computer”.

However, we’re a bit confused by the Reservation #1, #2, #3. We’re pretty sure that it’s three reservation stations, but does it matter which one we use? Does using reservation #1 mean we get on a computer faster?

What are your experiences with reserving a computer?

How does reserving a computer work at your library?

What about experiences with using computers at places like Kinko’s or business centers in hotels?

Check out more posts in the Everyday Usability series.

Everyday Usability: Can Anyone Make Sense of This?

Now There’s An App For That

This app is too amazing for words.

Just check it out.