RR06

While there were many noteworthy observations to be found within chapters 1-3 of McDonough, one of the more interesting sections of these chapters to me was the part titled "One Size Fits All" within chapter one. In essence it talked about how the industrial revolution led to a push to achieve universal design solutions. During the initial years of the industrial revolution, there was a push towards universal design because of a desire to replace unsanitary conditions and inequitable housing. Yet even with its initial good intentions, the movement evolved into something less favorable, a, "bland uniform structure isolated from the particulars of place--from local culture, nature, energy, and material flows." (29)

What I took away from this example is the fact that even objects or processes designed with the best of intentions, if left unaltered, can become something negative. When a design works or creates a favorable outcome for individuals, such as universal design did at the beginning of the industrial revolution, people will tend to stick with it and blindly ignore adverse effects that may be piling up on the side as a result. Additionally, it would seem that this example conveys that it is easier for people to create and accept a brand new design than it is for them to accept modifications or changes to something currently in practice, especially if those modifications correct one problem while exacerbating another.