My neighborhood features dozens of examples of information design: notes to the mail service team. Residents create hand- and computer- generated notes to articulate the specifics of home architecture (“mail slot is in the alley on the left”), what to do if no one answers (“please leave mail at 2020 east pratt”), and how to make sure that someone answers (“bell is broken. Please yell.”)
I’ve been collecting these photographs for a few months now, and thought it was time to share. I enjoy them because they represent a direct message to delivery staff but in a public way. Most of the signs are right on the stoop, eclipsing a wreath, flowers, or welcome mat!
The signs give insight into the personalities of residents, and their peculiar needs in receiving communications, through their handwriting or zaniness of message. Residents receive letters, and even write these very public letters to delivery personnel. Who said snailmail was dead?
(this post dedicated to the USPS, UPS, FedEx, and DHL. In a world of digital communications, we still love you.)
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Oh! So bad I didn’t take a picture of the sign I left for the postman last winter. Mine was handwritten in red marker and saying “Mr. Postman, you can leave the mail in the other mailbox next to the side door, we will not take off the snow from the front door stairs. Thanks!” – or something to that effect, it was in french :).
Don’t you think it’s an invitation for someone to steal the boxes on your doorstep? I’m engraving one to mount that will hopefully reduce the FedEx theivery!
great article….thank you very much for sharing