I am old enough to remember when cars did not have cup holders (inconceivable, I know!). Back in the day, most people didn’t have drinks with them 24/7 so holders weren’t needed. For those going on trips where they might take a coffee or pop in the car, people had to use these flimsy plastic holders that stuck in the windows and precariously held the beverage. Today, cup holders are as standard as the steering wheel as manufacturers recognized that most people have a bottle or cup with them almost every time they drive.
The airline industry has been slow to make the same changes, but Air France got the message. Their seatback trays are designed with a cup holder — simple, yet very convenient and effective to keep those little plastic cups from scooting right off the trays.
Some shopping carts have also adapted to provide cup holders, but Wegman’s noticed that people also want their phones accessible so they equipped their carts with phone holders as well.
Before all these little improvements become standard, they set the innovators apart and make the user experience more convenient in subtle yet appreciated ways. Pay attention to how people interact with what you’re providing and make adjustments accordingly. Cup holders aren’t flashy, but they make a world of difference.
Thanks, Meg!
