User Centered

A closer look at this roll of wrapping paper reveals some user centered design in a place where it makes perfect sense, but was still the most surprising to find. I'm kind of a clutz when it comes to wrapping in general, but what I like least is the jagged, odd angled cuts. I keep the part that I'm cutting as close as I can to the rolled up tube to use as a reference or guide. But a)it's harder to cut so close to the tube and b)it doesn't work. I still get a crooked cut.

Someone hears my pain. If you can't tell from this picture, the inside of this roll of paper has a grid of squares printed on the inside, which help guide your cuts.

It's a small touch, I admit. But for the first time ever, I had confidence that my cut would be true. I wasn't frustrated that I might have to cut twice (I often do), or draw my own guide lines. It's done for me. In the grand scheme of things, probably not the most earth shattering idea, but I think it's a damn good one. And, I (my son rather) wasn't late for the birthday party.