A nice design feature of subway turnstiles in Japan is that they are open by default. They only close if you try to pass through without a ticket. Subjectively, it conveys trust. Objectively, it probably results in less maintenance because the parts move much less frequently. 
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Replying to @mikeindustries
They also fail open in the event of a power outage, which was probably a design constraint. (Have been an engineer in Japan and one thing the field does a good job of, on a lot of artifacts you'd not guess, is "And what does this look like during a disaster?" high on spec doc.)
2 replies 7 retweets 139 likes -
Replying to @patio11 @mikeindustries
A good publicly discussed example of this is vending machines, which are private infrastructure *except* during severe distress, when their manufacturers/owners deem them public infrastructure. They're built with a procedure to defeat the payment gate. It's broadcast at need.
2 replies 2 retweets 41 likes
(The general shape is "For an X brand machine, the top right corner of the display is actually paper. Stick any sharp instrument through it, then pull forward with moderate force. The front display will come off, exposing the cans. Take what is necessary.")
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