UK Vintage Radio Repair and Restoration Discussion Forum - View Single Post - Mini-Mod 2021!

duncanlowe · 12th Jun 2021, 1:43 pm

Apparently the orientation of the on / off positions is very much cultural. As mentioned the US is generally the other way up to what we expect here. The expectation that turning a volume control anticlockwise to reduce the volume, or a dimmer the same to reduce brightness is again cultural. As well as up / down switches, I used to see American equipment where 'in' was off, and 'out' was on. When the switch was out, the word ON was visible.

This I read in a fascination book, 'The Psychology of Everyday Things' by Donald A Norman.

12th Jun 2021, 1:43 pm	#77
duncanlowe Nonode Join Date: Jan 2016 Location: Stafford, Staffs. UK. Posts: 2,532	Re: Mini-Mod 2021! Apparently the orientation of the on / off positions is very much cultural. As mentioned the US is generally the other way up to what we expect here. The expectation that turning a volume control anticlockwise to reduce the volume, or a dimmer the same to reduce brightness is again cultural. As well as up / down switches, I used to see American equipment where 'in' was off, and 'out' was on. When the switch was out, the word ON was visible. This I read in a fascination book, 'The Psychology of Everyday Things' by Donald A Norman.