[36798] in Hotline Meeting
electronic keypad to m56-129
daemon@ATHENA.MIT.EDU (Richard J. Barbalace)
Fri Feb 7 12:38:35 1997
To: hotline@MIT.EDU
Cc: institvte@MIT.EDU
Date: Fri, 07 Feb 1997 12:38:17 EST
From: "Richard J. Barbalace" <rjbarbal@MIT.EDU>
Hi.
The new cluster m56-129 has a style of electronic keypad for its door
which is different from that of any other cluster. This is BAD.
This keypad has 6 rows by 2 columns, as opposed to the 4x3 keypads
found everywhere else on campus.
Many users do not remember the cluster combo by number, but by pattern.
I personally spent several minutes translating the 4x3 pattern into
a 6x2 pattern. Watching the noon-time users who have been entering
the cluster, at least half had difficulty entering the combo.
Another problem with this keypad is that it has less tactile feedback
when entering the numbers of the combo; as such, it is difficult to
tell if you have actually entered a number correctly.
Keeping the current keypad will have at least one of these effects:
1) Legitimate users will likely be inconvenienced.
2) Urchins will likely have easier access to this cluster, as
students will likely open the door for people who are
standing by the door. (I've seen this happen once already.)
It may also be the case that urchins will overhear students
asking other passersby "What's the combo?" and overhear
the answer as well, thereby gaining the ability to access
any cluster on campus.
Given the current trends toward improved security and improved student
services, I suggest strongly that the keypad be replaced as soon as
possible.
+ Richard
