'Naked Streets’ - an example of when less is more

Recent trials in the UK and in Holland have shown that a street with fewer lights, signs and road markings can actually make crowded roads safer. These so-called 'Naked Streets' allow traffic to flow freely (and slowly) while drivers seem to take extra care and give more consideration to other road users. 

It seems counter-intuitive that removing traffic lights would cause drivers to slow down, negotiate junctions more carefully and look out for pedestrians more diligently. But that is exactly what happens when the lights at a junction are faulty - everyone takes more care. The 'Naked Streets’ initiatives capitalise on this by deliberately taking things away. The result? Drivers, cyclists and pedestrians are more likely to make eye contact and afford each other more space and respect as a result.

I also wonder if by removing some of the street furniture we might make our environments simpler to understand at a glance. As experience designers we know that every element within range of our senses competes for our attention. Each aspect that needs to be processed and understood takes time, time that might otherwise be spent on looking out for the unexpected. Indeed all of this reminds me of the old saying that a design is complete when there is nothing else (superfluous) left to take away.

Comments

[Chris Lowe]

Hi Owen - nice post, naked streets can have some advantages but they can cause problems for partially sighted people and/or people that use guide dogs (I understand that dogs are generally taught to observe the edge of the pavement and they hesitate without this cue). I guess it's a complex problem when lots of different types of people use a product or environment.

[Owen]

Thanks Chris. You raise an important point and I can see that changes to street layout and furniture may cause problems for some users. I guess that in cities / areas where this approach is adopted the training of guide dogs may need to be reviewed. Or perhaps there are other measures that could be taken to help people relying on guide dogs?