Design masters possess a unique talent for subtly influencing our behavior, thoughts, and emotions without us even realizing it. Their artistry is woven into the fabric of everyday life, visible only to those who understand the craft.
One such designer is Svilen, an inventor and futurist from Bulgaria now based in the Washington, D.C. area. As detailed on his Medium page, Svilen creates concepts for products and experiences that range from reinventing the ordinary to safeguarding essential human rights.
In his spare time, Svilen has launched a TikTok account where he unveils design secrets that we often overlook. With nearly 600,000 followers and 5.6 million likes on his videos, he shares fascinating insights into the design of common objects and practices. Here are nine of his most intriguing revelations:
- Why Do Classic Cartoon Characters Wear Neck Collars? “Cartoon characters often sport neck collars to simplify animation. By keeping the body static and animating only the head, animators significantly reduced the number of frames needed for a short cartoon—from 14,000 to just 2,000. This innovation played a crucial role in saving the animation industry.”
- Why Are Movie Theater Interiors Often Red? “Movie theaters typically feature red curtains and seats because red is the first color to fade in low-light conditions. This design choice helps viewers focus on the screen without distractions from the surroundings.”
- Why Do Snipers Wear Watches Upside Down? “Snipers wear their watches upside down to prevent sunlight or moonlight from reflecting off the watch face, which could reveal their position to enemies.”
- Why Are Pringles Shaped the Way They Are? “Pringles employs supercomputers to design their chips with a hyperbolic paraboloid shape. This aerodynamic form helps ensure that the chips stay on the production line and don't get scattered.”
- The Calming Effect of Baker-Miller Pink “Alexander Schauss discovered that a specific shade of pink known as Baker-Miller pink has a calming effect on individuals. It helps reduce heart rate, breathing, and even suppresses appetite.”
- How an Airport Reduced Complaints About Baggage Claim “Houston Airport tackled complaints about baggage claim wait times by moving the baggage claim area further from the arrival gates. Passengers initially walked for one minute but then waited seven minutes for their luggage. By increasing the distance to six minutes, complaints dropped significantly.”
- Why Do London Pubs Have Unusual Names? “Many British pubs have been around for centuries, and in the past, illiteracy was common. To help people identify businesses, pub owners used pictorial signs rather than written names, making it easier for non-readers to find their way.”
- How Blue Lighting Can Prevent Drug Use “Blue lighting in certain areas helps prevent drug use by making veins difficult to see. This design choice is a subtle yet effective way to discourage drug injection without confrontation.”
- What’s the Purpose of Mirrors in Elevators? “Mirrors and reflective surfaces in elevators are strategically placed to distract passengers from the wait time. This design element helps make the journey feel shorter and more pleasant.”