Blue stop signs in private parking lots are intentionally designed to look different from official red signs. This distinction clarifies they are not maintained or enforced by the government, similar to how a mall cop is not a state police officer. It's a visual cue about jurisdiction and liability.

A study found that children who travel mostly by car draw simplistic, danger-focused "cognitive maps" of their surroundings. In contrast, kids in walkable areas create highly detailed maps with more streets, houses, and play locations, indicating a richer environmental understanding and greater independence.

Human vision has two modes: sharp central focus (foveal) for details like text, and wide peripheral vision that scans for general signals like shape, color, and movement. Since peripheral vision detects things first but cannot read, visual marketing must grab attention with imagery before communicating details with text.

Unlike a solid speed bump, a 'speed cushion' is a traffic calming device with wheel-wide gaps. This simple design innovation effectively slows down standard cars while allowing wider-axle vehicles like ambulances and fire trucks to pass through without slowing down, prioritizing emergency response.

The California state flag, with text on it, violates a key principle of good flag design. It's considered a great flag because the text "California Republic" powerfully communicates the state's identity. This shows that breaking design rules is essential when it serves a higher, meaningful purpose.

Research shows people prefer architecture that mimics natural patterns like fractals and curved edges (e.g., Gothic cathedrals). These buildings are perceived as more natural and likable than rectilinear, 'brutalist' structures. This suggests built environments can offer some of nature's cognitive benefits by incorporating its design principles.

Social rituals, like walking on the street-side of a sidewalk, often outlive their original practical purpose. However, they retain significant value as symbols. The gesture itself becomes a signal of thoughtfulness and care, demonstrating that the intent behind an action can be more important than its literal function.

Our brains process natural scenes with high 'fluency,' compressing a complex view like a tree with thousands of leaves into a single, simple concept. In contrast, urban scenes often require us to mentally catalog distinct objects (cars, signs, buildings), creating a higher cognitive load and contributing to mental fatigue.

Contrary to the goal of eliminating all danger, progressive playground design intentionally incorporates managed risk. This "risky play" is psychologically vital for children to learn physical limits, problem-solving, and resilience in a controlled environment, which ultimately makes them safer.