Like Adam Richardson, I’m fed up with “Indentured Advertude.” Shortly after his post appeared, I returned to my Orlando hotel room and found that housekeeping had left my TV remote like this:

In order to get to the controls, I have to remove it from the sleeve. Like other forcing functions I’ve written about it creates some mindfulness that drives a desired behavior; in this case it’s not in my interest at all. You must engage with this ad before you can perform another task. The service being advertised has no connection to watching TV or using the remote; it’s just there to get in your way.

Tags: adam richardson, advertising, blue man group, control, forcing function, hotel, remote, remote control, television, tv

3 Responses to “Forced Engagement”

It’s like a pop-up ad in real life!

Comment by Alanna 06.26.08 @ 5:59 am




[...] Untouchable touchscreens, non-interactive kiosks, and advertising forcing functions [...]

Pingback by All This ChittahChattah » All This ChittahChattah 2008, a look back 12.23.08 @ 2:46 pm




[...] We Want You To See Our Ad Before You Watch TV [...]

Pingback by All This ChittahChattah | Anticipatory Design: Make it Better, Not Worse 08.11.10 @ 4:01 pm