This document provides a critical analysis of Angie Sanders' 2004 thesis project titled "Elevator Angst". The analysis summarizes the key points of Sanders' project in three paragraphs. It describes how the title initially made the author skeptical but intrigued by the humor of elevator etiquette. It discusses how Sanders conceptualized products to solve design issues with elevators by addressing awkward social situations and security cameras. While the goals aimed to promote conversation, the "design noir" approach took a more humorous tone. The analysis provides an overview of Sanders' background research, methodology, findings and recommendations for the project in evaluating elevator interactions and behaviors that could be improved through prototyped designs.

1. Julia Vallera
Elevator Angst by Angie Sanders (Spring 2004) : A Critical analysis
The title “Elevator Angst” made me skeptical about the content of the Angie Sander’s
2004 thesis project. I immediately assumed I would have little interest in the project and that I
would not be able to relate to it. “The unspoken rules of elevator etiquette” and “troubles plagu-
ing elevator riders” are two ideas mentioned in the abstract that kept me reading. The behavior
of people in elevators is very particular, and humorous. Knowing that the designer is directing
the concept toward peculiar elevator behavior attracted me to read further.
In “Motivation” the writer continues with the humorous take on elevator design. She
elaborates on “awkward social situations” and “fear of security cameras” (5). I can relate to
these issues and find them very funny so I read on. The concept introduction describes the prod-
ucts the designer conceptualizes to solve the design issues with elevators. What she created as
solutions are interesting to me, but I think the way the writer explains the overall goals is contra-
dictory. She uses quotes that describe the importance of “form and representation”(7) in her
products rather than “manufacture and practicality”(7). She stays away from forms that are “too
radical to ever be commercially produced”.
While critically examining elevator interaction that could be improved she states “ This
project’s main goal is to promote constructive conversation amongst its users and to question the
current state of elevator design.”(7) For me, this statement impresses more of a commercial and
useful approach to designing products for elevators. Asking elevator riders to think about ways
of improvement seems too serious of a question in light of the “design noir” approach she is tak-
ing.
The four chapters that follow are Background, methodology, findings and evaluation and
recommendations and conclusion. A brief description of each is noted and is something I find
very helpful to start off with. When it applies the writer relates the background and research she
is describing to her products. For example, while explaining how users might react to a related
project, “Lung Elevator” she says, “The same applies to Weight Advisory in this thesis. My
product addresses the issues of overcrowding by making passengers question the amount of trust
that we place in elevators when we do so.” (15) Having this comment relates her work to the re-
search in a simple way. Additionally it creates a foundation for the reader when they see the fi-

2. nal work. The related projects are broken up into two sections, one section (Moving things) re-
lating to the particular design issue she is addressing, the other(Moves Me) relating to the
methodology. I think this a successful way of categorizing the work in relation to her thesis.
Starting the Methodology section with “My interest in elevators began when...” (25) is ef-
fective. It reminds the reader of the personal connection the designer has to her work. As she ex-
plains the developmental stages the writer lists her initial questions from the very beginning of
her process. These questions had a different, more serious structure than what the project evolved
into. Listing these initial questions is the first of a series of thoughts, actions and research that
leads the reader through the progression of her thesis.
An important part of the paper is when she lists the “Addressed Issues” of the concept.
Waiting for elevators, overcrowding, fear of elevators, lazy passengers, awkward eye contact and
repetitive elevator button pressing are behaviors she considered for her design solutions. Listing
these behaviors with a brief description of each begins a critical evaluation of the brainstorming
that went into each design. With the main issues fresh in the readers mind, the writer can easily
describe how she refined different stages of her prototypes to resolve shortcomings of address-
ing the issues.
Moving into the prototypes and instillation the writer explains the technical and concep-
tual execution of her ideas. She talks about the print and web elements that support the instilla-
tion. In the conclusion she states that she wants users to “relate and enjoy interacting”(41) with
her prototypes. I think the paper is presented in a way that fosters that fun and simple interaction.