Progress Report on Umbrella Doorway Shake

Reporting Period: Current rainy season Subject: Umbrella Doorway Shake, Building Entrance Operations Status: Ongoing, self-perpetuating

Reporting Period Summary

The umbrella doorway shake was performed on an estimated 34 occasions during the reporting period. All 34 occasions occurred at building entrances, transit station exits, or retail doorways. On 27 of 34 occasions, at least one other person was within shake radius.

No one complained on any occasion. This is noted not as an absence of impact but as an observation about what is absorbed.

Current Status

The shake is performed to protect the floor inside the entrance from water tracked by the umbrella. On 19 of 27 occupied-radius occasions, the shake distributed water onto persons standing near the entrance. These persons were there because they were also protecting the floor inside the entrance from umbrellas. They were waiting for the person ahead of them to finish shaking.

The entrance was protected. The persons were not.

A small workaround has developed: experienced entrance-waiters now stand approximately 40cm farther back than necessary. The extra 40cm absorbs most spray. The workaround is not documented. It is learned through one wet sleeve.

Governing Rule

Umbrella shaking at an entrance is a visible and expected proceeding. Skipping it would result in a wet floor. Proceeding with it results in wet bystanders. These outcomes are not compared before the shake is performed. The shake comes first.

The governing rule: the shake is mandatory. Its radius is not the shaker's concern. This has been true long enough that it is no longer a courtesy failure. It is the sequence.

Outstanding Issue

The workaround of standing 40cm back has not been communicated to anyone who arrives at the entrance during heavy rain for the first time. They will stand in the standard position. They will get wet. They will remember this.

No action is planned.