In software engineering there is a discipline called Usability. This is basically a measure of how well a specific user in a specific context can use a product/design to achieve a defined goal effectively, efficiently and satisfactorily. If software engineers or usability engineers understand the importance of creating products that work well for their users, why can’t we create usability in other areas of life as well. One form of usability that is very important to me is walkability. Walkability is basically how well is a city, neighborhood, or country designed to make necessary amenities for every day life accessible by foot for every day citizens. Life should be easier, not harder, and one way to do that is make places close to each other or provide public transportation to reach somewhere far away. Here’s why this should happen.
Our legs are our main form of transportation. We have them for a reason, so we should most likely be using them as often as possible. Humans have fingers that can be used to hold things, but we don’t walk around with thongs. So, why should we neglect using our feet for a car? We have feet and our environment should be accommodating that that.
Another reason to consider walkability is that you would not have to worry about gas prices if most of the things you wanted to get to were in walking distance. Gas is currently $6.99? Who cares if Albertsons is a fifteen minute walk away. What concern is that to you. Your money will stretch farther because there is no need to buy gas.
If everything is closer together, you can more easily see people you care about more often. If any of my friends lived five minutes away from me, I’d be at their house every single day. This close proximity allows you to have a more active social life and connect more easily to those around you.
You’ll be able to keep the weight off. If you are walking everywhere, believe it or not, that is exercise. People who do not like the gym will be able to shed the pounds without the effort. Exercise without the conscious effort. Who doesn’t want that.
If software developers understand the users who engage with their product, why can’t city planners understand citizens that live in their cities? Let’s expand usability to everyday life!
Reference: https://www.interaction-design.org/literature/topics/usability
