Why do we always push doors marked pull?

Question

Accepted Answer

The Psychology of Habit

Human behavior is heavily dictated by affordance theory, a concept in design psychology. When a door features a flat plate, the brain intuitively interprets the surface as a target for pushing, regardless of the text printed on it. This creates a disconnect between explicit instructions and physical environmental cues.

Why Design Often Fails

Design Bias: A flat metal plate signals 'push' to our subconscious because it lacks a handle to grasp.
 Cognitive Load: When walking, the mind is often preoccupied, causing it to rely on fast, intuitive thinking rather than reading signs.
 The Normann Door Principle: Don Norman, a design expert, argues that if a sign is necessary to operate a door, the design is fundamentally flawed and lacks appropriate feedback.

Ultimately, our brains prioritize environmental shapes over textual warnings. Designers who use push-plates on doors meant to be pulled invite error by fighting against fundamental human motor reflexes. Understanding these patterns helps us appreciate why everyday objects sometimes confuse even the most logical minds.