Bike Rack that Rocks

     While on spring break in Philadelphia, I ran into this bike pole. I took a picture because of the interesting shadow and then realized what an incredible design this small little pole afforded. Normal bike racks have a gray colored metal that looks almost like waves and does not signify that the rack is for parking bikes. When I saw this red pole in the shape of a bike, this clearly signified that this pole was for people to tie their bikes to. What an incredible design.
     This bike rack not only is a wonderful signifier, it also follows the conceptual model that a user would hold. The bike pole has two tire holes, both of which are big enough to connect a chain to. The rest of the pole does not afford a user to easily attach a chain; therefore, the pole constrains the user to putting the chain through one of the bike's tires which is the intended purpose. In chapter four of The Design of Everyday Things, Norman states that "visible affordances...and visible signifier[s]" articulate "what to do and where to do it" on an object. This is exactly what the bike rack affords.
     This bike rack also affords physical anthropometry. The bike rack is not tall, allowing a small kid to use it. The rack is also not too short, allowing tall adults the ability to use it without bending over. The bike rack rises about three feet from the ground, making it usable by people of all sizes.
    This bike pole is designed well and is extremely usable for it's intended purpose. By placing these bike poles throughout the city, users are able to quickly tie up their bike while going into a restaurant or store. The red color of the poles make the bike poles easy to see and quickly identifiable.