Technology Gone Wild :: Lauri's Blog :: The Decorating Blog of Lauri Ward

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Jul 23rd, 2008 by Lauri

My friend, Brian, told me a funny story about a woman who used the bathroom at a local, upscale ice cream shoppe. The bathroom is completely visible to anyone inside the store because it has a clear glass front (don’t ask me why anyone would design a bathroom like this). The see-through glass converts to opaque, for privacy, with the press of a lever. But, apparently, this particular woman entered the loo and failed to press said lever before starting her “business.” Hello?

As the customers waiting in line realized they had a bit of entertainment, they all started laughing. The store manager, hearing the laughter, immediately realized the source of their amusement and ran, waving his hands, to warn the woman that she was unwittingly giving everyone a show. Poor thing.

Clearly, SPD light-control windows are meant to be used for other applications (no pun intended). Therefore, what do you think? Is the owner of the shoppe a techie, a voyeur, a clever business person with a gimmick, or someone who is all of the above with a really bizarre sense of humor?

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11 Responses to “Technology Gone Wild”

on 23 Jul 2008 at 12:16 pm1m underwood

Lauri, this owner is a crackpot and I probably won’t be eating icecream there! Love your book.
on 24 Jul 2008 at 5:04 pm2melissa @ the inspired room

I’m appalled! I think he is just plain insensitive and not thinking of his customers comfort.

Interesting story, Lauri!
Melissa
on 24 Jul 2008 at 8:35 pm3Nora John

This ice cream store’s “feature” is obviously not fool-proof. Why would someone want to subject any of their patrons to the inevitable mistake? Very interesting story indeed!

I really have enjoyed and used your books, Lauri. Your blog will be a most welcome addition to my daily grind.

Best,

Nora
on 24 Jul 2008 at 8:38 pm4GladysMP

Boy, talk about an invitation to be sued. The victim would win a tidy sum if I were on the jury. Who would know that you have to camoflage the window in a restroom? Makes you wonder if that window provides entertainment for the employees when there are no customers besides the one in the restroom. You probably could even sue the person or company that installed any such window in a restroom. I can’t think of a single reason to install such a window.
on 24 Jul 2008 at 10:58 pm5Brandie

Why would someone not think of that? Irresponsible and very insensitive! Design should be useful, not embarrassing!
Very interesting.
on 25 Jul 2008 at 12:40 am6Jane Squires

I think it is repulsive. It is in bad taste. I would never return to that store because I would be too humilated. The person would lose customers.
on 25 Jul 2008 at 6:28 am7Lori

This bathroom idea is nuts.

Lauri, I am so glad you started this blog! I know I’m going to love reading it.
on 25 Jul 2008 at 7:19 am81husband2sons

Not a wise design decision. Obviously, the owner has some issues. Removing this “feature” is the only solution, or one day, there WILL BE a lawsuit.
on 25 Jul 2008 at 8:57 am9martha adams

I don’t fault the owner. He obviously paid someone (designer/decorator) to help him put his store together and this person obviously sold him on some bad decor. Obviously the owner and any customers that forget to lock the bathroom doors, now have to pay the consequences.

Martha Adams
maadams@vha.com
on 27 Jul 2008 at 11:27 am10Lauri

Thanks Lori!
on 27 Jul 2008 at 11:32 am11Lauri

Nora John,

Thanks so much! I look forward to seeing you here.

Cheers,
Lauri