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 lesson can be learned from the desire paths observed at Heathrow?

Why is it important for designers to observe and respond to emerging desire paths?

How can launching a service help in understanding customer needs?