Introduction
During the depths of quarantine and the COVID-19 pandemic, a pervasive sense of malaise gripped many of us. This was accompanied by a profound dissatisfaction and a general distrust towards established authorities. People shifted into survival mode, becoming more insular and protective of their immediate social circles. At the same time, there was a noticeable decline in both self-care and social responsibility. This shift led to an increase in risky behaviors and a disregard for the safety and well-being of others. What I'm getting at is a seemingly minor but increasingly irritating issue: many of us have stopped using our turn signals, and it's frustrating beyond reason.
So, why should we bother making the turn signal "cool"?
The proper use of a turn signal might not seem like a pressing societal concern compared to other issues we face today. It doesn't predict economic downturns or signal impending environmental catastrophes. Yet, this behavior is neglected time and again. Using a turn signal is as fundamental as a handshake and as simple as a smile—it's how vehicles communicate. It serves as a subtle yet essential gesture within the social fabric of road etiquette. More than that, signaling before turning or changing lanes is a mark of civility—it shows that you care. It's akin to returning your shopping cart to the corral: there's no immediate personal benefit, but it signifies participation in a society that values honesty and mutual respect.

"Why Did the Turn Signal Become Uncool?"
Much like flicking a cigarette butt onto the highway or tossing a soda bottle out the window, the refusal to use turn signals seems to stem from a quiet rebellion wrapped in complacency. This trend made a slow, creeping advance over the years, gaining momentum as driver after driver noticed others skipping the use of signals for lane changes and merges. It's easy to imagine their thought process: "If they aren't signaling, why should I?" Gradually, the turn signal began to be seen as optional rather than mandatory.
However, using a turn signal is not just about obeying traffic laws or following regulations. It's about being a responsible member of society and showing respect for your fellow drivers. It's about effective communication and choosing to be a team player, even when there seem to be no immediate consequences for choosing otherwise (aside from the obvious risk of a vehicular collision).
This is why I am campaigning to make the turn signal cool again. Before we can address broader societal issues, we need to revisit the basics of what it means to be a member of 21st-century society. We need to redefine what it means to be good—and then strive to embody that goodness. I believe that improving turn signal etiquette on major interstates, highways, rural intersections, and in shopping center parking lots is an excellent place to start. Once we address this fundamental issue, perhaps we will be better prepared to tackle even greater challenges, such as famine or war. As the great Marcus Aurelius once said:
“Waste no more time arguing what a good man should be. Be one”
-Marcus Aurelius

How is Making the Turn Signal Cool Again a Design Problem?
Great question. One foundational pillar of Design Thinking and User Experience is the identification and resolution of pinch points within a system—a pinch or pain point is an area where a design solution could enhance the user's experience. In the system we know as the US Roadway, an emergent behavior we've noticed is the declining use of turn signals. This behavior contributes to a hostile and dangerous driving environment, pinpointing a clear design challenge: how do we encourage drivers to use their turn signals consistently?
From a design perspective, we're faced with exploring solutions to improve the overall driving experience by understanding and addressing the systematic dynamics that lead to the refusal to use turn signals. This scenario exemplifies the complexities of behavioral design—whatever an end user can do, they likely will do, making it crucial to consider all potential behaviors within the system.
Is it even possible to make the turn signal cool again?
Potentially, but the challenge lies in shifting deeply ingrained habits. It may seem like an infinite Rubik's cube, where efforts may initially appear futile. However, as a graphic designer, this challenge provides an opportunity to continually return to the problem and explore new approaches through print media, merchandise design, and social media interactions. This becomes a benevolent playground where the goal is to culturally redefine the use of turn signals, allowing for endless experimentation, testing, and design that contribute to a culture of respect and communication.
At the end of the day, if we can convince even one person to respect the communication systems in place for safety—say, a teenager with a penchant for "coal rolling" or "Carolina squatting"—then we've made progress. Am I actively tracking metrics and analytics to monitor this change? No. But the real value lies in engaging with the problem. You can choose to be frustrated by societal missteps, or you can leverage the tools you know best to initiate change.
Admittedly, it may seem trivial—a small part of a larger issue within the attitudes of individuals within the system. A bumper sticker or a hat alone won't solve this, but by focusing on what we can influence and creatively engaging with these issues, we can plant seeds for broader change.I challenge you, the reader, to observe your environment, identify your pinch points, and start exploring solutions. You never know what initiating that change will uncover. It’s not just about making turn signals cool; it’s about pulling at the thread that could unravel and address deeper issues within our societal fabric.

How Can I Get Started?
Getting involved in the campaign to make the turn signal cool again (MTTSCA) for 2024 is easy and exciting! Below, you can explore and purchase official MTTSCA merchandise. If some of the designs seem familiar, that's intentional. We've taken images and designs that historically may have divided or alienated people and recontextualized them for a positive purpose. The original designs may have driven people apart, but our goal is to use them to bring people together.
By purchasing this merchandise, you're not just getting a trendy piece of apparel or a cool accessory; you're participating in a larger movement. Each item is crafted as part of a benevolent design project aimed at tackling societal pinch points and fostering solutions through creativity and unity.
Steps to Get Involved:
Explore the Merchandise: Visit our online store to see the range of products available. Each piece carries a message of unity and respect on the road. Choose what resonates with you!
Spread the Word: Wear your merchandise proudly and use it as a conversation starter. Explain the mission behind the turn signal campaign and why it matters.
Engage on Social Media: Share your support by posting pictures of your merchandise. Use designated hashtags (like #MakeTurnSignalsCoolAgain) to amplify the message and connect with a broader audience.
Participate in Community Discussions: Join forums, attend local community meetings, or start a dialogue on social media platforms about the importance of road safety and communication. Your voice can lead to greater awareness and adoption of good driving habits.
Provide Feedback: As you wear and share your merchandise, gather reactions and feedback. This information is invaluable in refining future designs and strategies, ensuring that our efforts are as effective as possible.
By purchasing and promoting MTTSCA merchandise, you are contributing to a cultural shift towards more respectful and communicative driving practices. Each item is more than just a product; it's a tool for change, designed to inspire and unify drivers on the road. Let's drive this positive change together—one turn signal at a time!
Conclusion: Understanding the Deeper Design Challenge
In wrapping up, it's evident that the challenge of getting drivers to consistently use their turn signals is much more than a simple legal adherence; it's a complex design issue intertwined with user experience, psychology, and systemic functionality. To deepen your understanding and really make an impact, consider educating yourself on the Design Thinking process. IBM’s free Enterprise Design Thinking course is a fantastic resource that equips you with tools to analyze and improve the systems around you. Additionally, understanding that design transcends aesthetics and includes the functionality of systems and their interaction with users can broaden your approach to solving these issues.
The MTTSCA merchandise represents a tangible first step toward changing driving behaviors—consider it a symbolic initiative in our ongoing journey to foster a more respectful and communicative driving culture. As drivers, our daily choices impact the broader system just as much as those of others influence us. I'll continue exploring this topic in future posts, examining effective strategies and the outcomes of our efforts.
Remember, every turn signal used is a step toward safer roads:
“Don’t be a Stinker, Hit that Blinker.”
-Cory
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