Nate
I’ve never been to Japan, but solely based on this thread by Michelle Huang, the thoughtful Japanese design style is making me feel like I’m missing out. From conveyor belt sushi to ATM cup holders, here are some of the most thoughtful Japanese designs Michelle Huang shared.
We Americans always think we’re doing things the best way, but once you start to learn how other countries have figured out simple solutions in a brilliant way, it’ll make you wonder why we don’t also start doing some of these things.
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pathways that you can follow while taking trains so you don’t get lost during your transfer pic.twitter.com/s9aEDdon6m
— michelle huang (@michellehuang42) May 24, 2023
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detachable pan handles for storage convenience
makes a ton of sense when you think about it.. pic.twitter.com/bcr9M3XE2V
— michelle huang (@michellehuang42) May 24, 2023
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sauce packets that don’t require you to rip the corner
they break upon squeeze- leading to a cleaner experience (+ less waste to keep track of) pic.twitter.com/IBzp6ePeq2
— michelle huang (@michellehuang42) May 24, 2023
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collapsible car cup holders in the front seats pic.twitter.com/Pi8ZVkN0Nl
— michelle huang (@michellehuang42) May 24, 2023
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rotating platforms to allow for large vehicles to turn without making 3-point turns (added safety for pedestrians and passengers) pic.twitter.com/djcgt6K5qt
— michelle huang (@michellehuang42) May 24, 2023
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related note: toilet paper refill just got more frictionless pic.twitter.com/R1T5DvRHzT
— michelle huang (@michellehuang42) May 24, 2023
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i have been really impressed by japan’s accessibility features as well
almost everywhere, there are yellow raised grooves (tenji blocks) have ridges to help guide the visually impaired pic.twitter.com/n7nKXG4dZG
— michelle huang (@michellehuang42) May 25, 2023
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also look, this elevator has 3 sets of buttons- functionality is always within reach
in case you enter first and are at the back, you don’t have to ask someone else to push the buttons for you pic.twitter.com/ixYO4FltqF
— michelle huang (@michellehuang42) May 25, 2023
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rotating drawer for storing shoes
i imagine this saves some space + allows for more visibility for shoes / slippers pic.twitter.com/Ht6NCvLQD5
— michelle huang (@michellehuang42) May 25, 2023
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flowing noodle interaction
noodles are funneled through this half pipe and you catch them from the stream pic.twitter.com/ptX1Pf9Ji3
— michelle huang (@michellehuang42) May 25, 2023