World-renowned design shop IDEO did design work for TSA in '09 - any results?
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Somewhere
Programs: AS MVP, EK Silver, Bonvoy Plat
Posts: 921
World-renowned design shop IDEO did design work for TSA in '09 - any results?
Did a search and surprised this didn't come up -
IDEO, a global design consultancy did some work for the TSA a while back called "TSA Checkpoint Evolution" - here's a link:
http://www.ideo.com/work/tsa-checkpoint-evolution/
Anyone know about this, and are there any elements that have been worked into checkpoints system-wide? Or is this SSI?
IDEO, a global design consultancy did some work for the TSA a while back called "TSA Checkpoint Evolution" - here's a link:
http://www.ideo.com/work/tsa-checkpoint-evolution/
Anyone know about this, and are there any elements that have been worked into checkpoints system-wide? Or is this SSI?
#2
Join Date: Jun 2012
Posts: 729
...It was clear that trying to observe the subtleties of hostile intent would be less effective in a chaotic environment filled with stressed passengers. IDEO was engaged to design a solution that calmed the environment of the checkpoint, thus making potential threats stand out...
...Based on ethnographic research with passengers, TSOs, and airport security stakeholders, IDEO uncovered a series of opportunities to improve the checkpoint experience had by all and, ultimately, improve security...
...Based on ethnographic research with passengers, TSOs, and airport security stakeholders, IDEO uncovered a series of opportunities to improve the checkpoint experience had by all and, ultimately, improve security...
#3
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: Somewhere between here and there...
Programs: WWF, Appalachian Mountain Club
Posts: 11,595
It did, but the research also showed there's no money in it.
#4
Original Poster
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Somewhere
Programs: AS MVP, EK Silver, Bonvoy Plat
Posts: 921
Ahh, that's it. I keep forgetting this doesn't have anything to do with actual security, just selling more expensive devices that are replaced with "enhanced" ones!
ElAl has had considerable success with non-technological interventions... if we were really serious about this stuff then perhaps we'd adopt those practices.
ElAl has had considerable success with non-technological interventions... if we were really serious about this stuff then perhaps we'd adopt those practices.
#5
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: DFW
Posts: 28,083
Did a search and surprised this didn't come up -
IDEO, a global design consultancy did some work for the TSA a while back called "TSA Checkpoint Evolution" - here's a link:
http://www.ideo.com/work/tsa-checkpoint-evolution/
Anyone know about this, and are there any elements that have been worked into checkpoints system-wide? Or is this SSI?
IDEO, a global design consultancy did some work for the TSA a while back called "TSA Checkpoint Evolution" - here's a link:
http://www.ideo.com/work/tsa-checkpoint-evolution/
Anyone know about this, and are there any elements that have been worked into checkpoints system-wide? Or is this SSI?
#6
Moderator: Coupon Connection & S.P.A.M
Join Date: May 2000
Location: Louisville, KY
Programs: Destination Unknown, TSA Disparager Diamond (LTDD)
Posts: 57,952
Ahh, that's it. I keep forgetting this doesn't have anything to do with actual security, just selling more expensive devices that are replaced with "enhanced" ones!
ElAl has had considerable success with non-technological interventions... if we were really serious about this stuff then perhaps we'd adopt those practices.
ElAl has had considerable success with non-technological interventions... if we were really serious about this stuff then perhaps we'd adopt those practices.
#7
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: SYD (perenially), GVA (not in a long time)
Programs: QF PS, EK-Gold, Security Theatre Critic
Posts: 6,766
Did a search and surprised this didn't come up -
IDEO, a global design consultancy did some work for the TSA a while back called "TSA Checkpoint Evolution" - here's a link:
http://www.ideo.com/work/tsa-checkpoint-evolution/
Anyone know about this, and are there any elements that have been worked into checkpoints system-wide? Or is this SSI?
IDEO, a global design consultancy did some work for the TSA a while back called "TSA Checkpoint Evolution" - here's a link:
http://www.ideo.com/work/tsa-checkpoint-evolution/
Anyone know about this, and are there any elements that have been worked into checkpoints system-wide? Or is this SSI?
And yeah, it was a(nother) stupid idea from TSA.
#8
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: USA
Posts: 555
~~ Irish
#9
Original Poster
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Somewhere
Programs: AS MVP, EK Silver, Bonvoy Plat
Posts: 921
Screener: "Where are you going?"
Me (thinking): "It says 'Dubai' on the boarding pass you're holding."
Last edited by Metanoia; May 13, 2013 at 1:19 pm Reason: correction for neutrality and bad grammar
#10
Moderator: Coupon Connection & S.P.A.M
Join Date: May 2000
Location: Louisville, KY
Programs: Destination Unknown, TSA Disparager Diamond (LTDD)
Posts: 57,952
I charge $400/hr to teach illiterate people I don't like to learn to read. 2 hour minimum.
Last edited by essxjay; May 10, 2013 at 1:31 pm Reason: derogatory language in quote
#11
Original Member
Join Date: May 1998
Location: PDX
Programs: TSA Refusenik charter member
Posts: 15,978
TS/Sers,
A gentle reminder of the forum rubric:
For the sake of civility, please use neutral references to screeners. Thanks.
---------
essxjay
TS/S moderator
A gentle reminder of the forum rubric:
While we don't wish to turn away reflective criticism we do ask that participants refrain from posting behaviors that only serve to inflame or disrupt the forum. Derisive terms used to grossly generalize others such as A. S. S., smurf, goon, thug, Gestapo, Nazi, perv, perp, kettles, mouth-breathers and the like add no value to the forum and are not permitted. Moderators will delete inappropriate posts with no notice. Repeated inappropriate postings will result in disciplinary action.
---------
essxjay
TS/S moderator
#12
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: Greensboro
Programs: TSA
Posts: 2,424
The concept was actually sound, and does inspire a more organized flow (I believe ergonomic is the en vogue word). It took the lighting down from glaring overhead, to a softer, warmer format, which helps to make it feel less threatening. It also introduced the whisper radio system(s), which is a carry over to now, and they do help cut down on folks in the checkpoint calling back and forth for bag checks and pat downs at a higher volume level than the whisper systems. Instead of the TSO yelling for a bag check, they now key the mic and say "bag check lane X", that helped to cut down on the overall noise level. The architecture of the checkpoint was more aesthetically pleasing than the square boxy versions that are the norm, the color palette was also softer, more neutral, which also helped the area look less daunting. All in all, I liked the "Evolution" concept, it gave a softer, more inviting appearance to the checkpoint - which has the overall effect of taking down the level of organized chaos (that is a normal checkpoint) a notch or two on the worry meter. Sadly, the idea never really caught on.
#14
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: SYD (perenially), GVA (not in a long time)
Programs: QF PS, EK-Gold, Security Theatre Critic
Posts: 6,766
The concept was actually sound, and does inspire a more organized flow (I believe ergonomic is the en vogue word). It took the lighting down from glaring overhead, to a softer, warmer format, which helps to make it feel less threatening. It also introduced the whisper radio system(s), which is a carry over to now, and they do help cut down on folks in the checkpoint calling back and forth for bag checks and pat downs at a higher volume level than the whisper systems. Instead of the TSO yelling for a bag check, they now key the mic and say "bag check lane X", that helped to cut down on the overall noise level. The architecture of the checkpoint was more aesthetically pleasing than the square boxy versions that are the norm, the color palette was also softer, more neutral, which also helped the area look less daunting. All in all, I liked the "Evolution" concept, it gave a softer, more inviting appearance to the checkpoint - which has the overall effect of taking down the level of organized chaos (that is a normal checkpoint) a notch or two on the worry meter. Sadly, the idea never really caught on.
You say that "organized chaos" is "a normal checkpoint" but it is only "normal" in the US.
The security checkpoints (domestic and international) at my home airport of SYD have ordinary (high-power fluorescent) lighting. The security staff don't AFAIK have "whisper mics", they talk to each other. The layout is square, boxy and has whatever boring industrial "color palette" the architect chose when the airport was built (long before 2001).
Yet it's not threatening, noisy, or daunting. There is no chaos. No, it's not "inviting" to the point where I would spend the evening there having a romantic dinner for two, but it is functional and completely non-scary.
The same is true for every other security checkpoint I've seen (all of these post-2001) in Australia, New Zealand, NRT, SIN, BKK, ZRH, GVA, TLS, PMO, FCO, AMS, AUH, DXB (okay, a tiny hint of chaos* at those last two, but no shouting and not scary ) and others I've probably forgotten.
Why can other countries manage to make the checkpoint quiet and "non-threatening" without requiring mood lighting, special radios, curvy architecture and designer color palettes?
* My observation of AUH and DXB is that the checkpoints are slightly manic because the staff are (successfully!) trying to get a lot of people through quickly. At both airports, world-weary travellers try to remove their laptops, liquids and (American) shoes while the screening staff tell them "no, it's okay, just leave it all in the bag." They might tell you to go "over there" for a patdown if you set off the WTMD, but no one actually checks whether you do or not. (I didn't. )
Last edited by RadioGirl; May 12, 2013 at 11:09 pm