Hacker News new | past | comments | ask | show | jobs | submit login

This is a great opportunity to talk about the worst-written sign I have ever seen.

The "slippery when wet" signs at Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport read:

** Caution Please be careful while using the restroom. For your safety, we remind you that flooring can be very slippery when wet.

Your safety is our concern. **

https://imgur.com/Uh9DrLh

These make me so irrationally frustrated. Why do they use such flowery language? What purpose does that serve? There's no call to action, how does it improve the user experience?




There is no purpose to these signs aside from limiting liability in the eyes of the court system when you slip and fall and sue them. It's similar to the signs that say no trespassing.


Ya, it should just read "slippery when wet". Maybe add an exclamation mark to show urgency and that you care.

So how we would describe the sign is usually what it should say. Like, "STOP".


Or in this case "Caution" which usually is the largest text on these type of signs. Caution and some indication they are referring to the floor, which could just be contextual. The queue that these signs are often short will natural indicate the eye to look at the floor, so that is nice when it works out.




Consider applying for YC's Spring batch! Applications are open till Feb 11.

Guidelines | FAQ | Lists | API | Security | Legal | Apply to YC | Contact

Search: