Maximalist instructions in Tokyo public spaces

Jared Braiterman
Aug 27, 2017 · 1 min read

The image of Tokyo as ultra-modern and futuristic is belied by a reality where analog and digital exist in layers, with simple transactions obscured by a proliferation of text and media jostling for attention.

One-click shopping revealed the power of simple design to create the most powerful companies of the 21st century. Tokyo, nonetheless, in its train stations, post offices, and public facilities almost always prefers a maximalist approach to information and instructions.

This ticket machine at the public pool provides the customer with detailed greetings, labels, and warnings that obscure the basic function of selecting a ticket and paying for it.

The additional taped bilingual instruction in yellow alerts the public to the importance of keeping paper tickets dry. These will be checked both entering and leaving by human attendants.

Taped instructions added to interactive ticket screen at Tokyo public pool

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Written by

Tokyo and San Francisco-based design executive and advisor.

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