Cutting corners

From optimizing resources to finding the easiest way out, there are many ways and understandings of why and how to “cut corners”

Pathways and cutting corners

Text and drawing by Frits Ahlefeldt

Cutting corners are both used in positive and not so positive ways. In psychology and business it is most often considered good if you are the one doing it… and not so often if it is everybody else, but you…

Cutting corners when designing places

In place-making there is a whole science about cutting corners. Finding out how people move and then designing after these patterns of movement, because most of us prefer to cut corners and take the direct route when-ever it is possible

Cutting corners in recovery

In recovery the concept of “pathways” is used a lot. Maybe it is closely related to the concept of cutting corners, as a different view of how to help people get to a better place faster, safer and better, instead of being stopped by a corner.

Cutting corners in performance

The place where cutting corners is often looked on in less positive ways is when performing tests, sports or following a plan that have been laid out in advance. Here cutting corners is sometimes seen as breaking the rules – something that might have consequences for others.

Keywords: optimizing, rationalizing, design, place-making, architecture, rational, results, mindset, frame, metaphors, museum of psychology