Rules

Use this space to start refining elevator rules. - See Paper for Rules - Refine within the collaborative Google Doc

Elevator Assumptions  These basic assumptions are what every elevator rider takes for granted as she/he waits in the lobby, enters, rides, and exits the elevator. They exist outside the realm of conscious awareness and are only brought under scrutiny when an assumption is violated or when the elevator travel situation becomes part of a study.

Some examples:  • Riders share a similar goal, which is to move smoothly from Point A to Point B. • Riders take the elevator because there is no other option to reach a destination, or they prefer not to take the stairs. • Riders expect the ride to be smooth and without complications. • All riders expect to arrive safely. • The elevator will not break down. • Elevators are pretty standard around a particular country with minor variations. (With the exception of ancient ones.) • Most elevators and their mechanics function in the same way, so riders do not need to re-learn how to use them. (Button appearances may vary.) • If there are any special rules about weight limits or number of persons to ride, this information will be posted in plain view. • Young children are not expected to know sociological rules and most riders will tolerate some unruly behavior. • The elderly may have some issues with mobility or exactly following the rules, but any confusion is accepted and tolerated. • Riders with physical disabilities may cause some delays during some phase of the ride, but this is accepted and understood. • Riders from other countries may not follow the exact same elevator rules as in the U.S., but their confusion is generally tolerated. • The social etiquette rules (not in the above mentioned categories) for elevator riders are known by most riders. • These rules are followed to maintain order in the elevator and avoid problems. • Riders tend not to intentionally break the elevator rules. • If anyone does disrupt the elevator ride in a minor way, other riders express their disdain through non-verbal gestures or comments after disrupter has exited. • For larger scale disruptions in an elevator situation, buildings have official security to solve the problems.