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Placebo button

by Terry Moore on September 2nd, 2009

Think about this next time you are in a hurry and are pushing the walk button like crazy to cross the street and nothing seems to be happening.

A placebo button is a push-button that appears to do something, but actually has no effect, like a placebo. They exist to give the user an illusion of control.[1]

Many walk buttons at pedestrian crossings in New York City were once functional, but now serve as placebo buttons.[2] Many door close buttons in elevators are placebo buttons.[1][3] Office thermostats may also function similarly.[4]

Via Wikipedia

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