Ever been in a hotel room and thought, Why is there never enough space, yet somehow too much furniture? This project leans into that paradox, with a door that refuses to do just one job.

Instead of a boring Do Not Disturb sign, this interactive installation turns the doorknob itself into a spinning drying rag, because when space is limited, everything should be multi-functional. It’s a playful critique on how hotel design crams functionality into every square inch while still trying to feel “luxurious.”

Privacy? Questionable. Usability? Unexpected. Absurd? Absolutely.

How It Works

• A doorknob that doubles as a drying rag (Because why not?)
• Interactive design: Encourages guests to rethink how space and objects function.
• Humorous social commentary: Because sometimes, design is unintentionally hilarious.
• When you lock the door the motor will start to spin

Problem

How can we critique the over-engineered functionality of hotel spaces while injecting humor and interactivity into everyday objects?

Hotels often struggle with space constraints while attempting to maintain an illusion of luxury and functionality. This project embraces that paradox by transforming a hotel room doorknob into a multi-functional interactive object, challenging the way we perceive space efficiency and usability.

Process

• Concept Development:
  • Inspired by how hotel spaces try to be both minimal and over-functional, this project explores how design choices can become unintentionally absurd.
  • Instead of a simple Do Not Disturb sign, the doorknob itself becomes a kinetic drying rag, forcing users to engage with the design paradox.
• Interaction & Mechanical Design:
  • Developed a motorized doorknob system that spins when locked, mimicking the unnecessary multifunctionality of modern design.
  • Ensured the interaction was humorous yet functional, making users question whether the added feature was an improvement or an inconvenience.
• User Experience & Social Commentary:
  • Designed to be playful and intentionally over-the-top, encouraging users to reflect on how hotels cram multiple uses into single spaces.
  • The project humorously blurs the line between practicality and absurdity, highlighting the unintentional comedy of over-engineered solutions.

Solution

A Do Not Disturb sign reimagined as a fully interactive, spinning drying rag, attached to the doorknob. This object transforms a mundane hotel feature into an over-complicated, multifunctional experience, challenging perceptions of space optimization in luxury design.

Outcome

• Functional Absurdity: A doorknob that both locks the door and spins a drying rag—because why not?
• Engaging User Experience: Guests are encouraged to rethink spatial design through an unexpected, interactive moment.
• Social Commentary: A playful critique on modern hotel design, highlighting how spaces often try to be multi-functional to the point of losing usability.

Why It Matters

By blending interactive art, conceptual design, and humor, this project asks: How far can we push the definition of functionality before it stops making sense? It’s an absurd yet thought-provoking take on the way we design small spaces for maximum use, turning a common hotel experience into an unexpected moment of reflection and play. 🚪💨