TED: What can we learn from shortcuts? | Tom Hulme

The video discusses the concept of desire paths, which are informal paths created by people seeking the shortest or most convenient route. It highlights examples from Highbury Fields, Brasilia, the University of California, and UNIH to illustrate how these paths reveal real human needs and can inform better design. The speaker emphasizes the importance of designing for low friction and real needs, launching services to learn user preferences, and adapting to changes in the environment.

What is a desire path?

• A path created by designers for aesthetic purposes

• A shortcut path created by users deviating from designed paths

• A path that is always paved and maintained by authorities

• A path that is only found in urban areas

What was a major oversight in the design of Brasilia?

• Overcrowding of government buildings

• Lack of parking spaces

• Insufficient public transportation

• Ignoring pedestrian pathways

How did the University of California approach the creation of pathways?

• By paving paths before any buildings were constructed

• By observing natural paths formed by students and then paving them

• By using drones to map out potential paths

• By consulting with landscape architects to design paths

What strategy did Ayr Muir use to determine the best location and menu for his restaurant?

• Opening multiple restaurants simultaneously

• Hiring a market research firm

• Launching a food truck with a changing menu and location

• Conducting online surveys

What was the initial reaction of the UNIH hospital to the 'Chemo Trail'?

• They immediately paved it

• They ignored it completely

• They built a fence around it

• They tried to cover it with turf

What does the 'Chemo Trail' at UNIH hospital illustrate about user needs?

• Users always follow the paths provided by designers

• Users will create paths that meet their immediate needs

• Users dislike walking and prefer transportation

• Users prefer longer, scenic routes

What is a key takeaway about design from the discussion on desire paths?

• Design should ignore user behavior

• Design should be static and unchanging

• Design should prioritize low-friction solutions for real needs

• Design should focus solely on aesthetics