My French press coffee maker, by Bodum, could use some proximity thinking. More specifically, it has no fill level marks to help me add water to the same place every time, as you can see from the picture.

UPDATE: I made a short video intro to this post! You can watch it here.

The mind map below should be pretty self-explanatory. Click the image below to open it full-size. Once open, you can zoom it even larger.

NOTE — THE REST OF THIS PAGE IS BASICALLY JUST FOR SEARCH ENGINES.
Since search engines can’t index the text in an image, I’m including the text from the graphic below. However, I’d recommend only looking at the graphic, as it will make a lot more sense. Also, WordPress is adding some blank lines in the outline below, and I can’t fix it. So please imagine there are no blank lines!

• A proximity thinking example, including a few basic definitions. To learn more, visit proxthink.com.
• Situation – A “situation” is whatever you are dealing with or considering.
• Element – Loosely, an “element” can be anything. Any person, place, thing, idea, feeling, time, group, relationship, situation, proximity, etc.
• Proximity – The “proximity” consists of elements related or potentially related to a situation, in physical, mental and other ways.

• SITUATION
  No fill level marks on my
  French press coffee maker.
  —
  Elements in the proximity of
  this situation.
  • Different people have different
    preferences for how much coffee to
    make. And different size cups too.
  • Glass pot with instructions on
    side, but no fill level marks.
    • So we know they can
      paint on glass!
  • The need to consistently make a good
    cup of coffee just the way you like it.
    • Once you figure out how much water and
      how many ground coffee scoops you
      like, it should be easy to repeat that.
  • With French presses, the coffee
    grounds stay in the pot and absorb
    some water, so it affects fill levels.
    • So a strong cup with more coffee
      grounds might take more water.
  • International sales
    means it’s better to avoid
    choosing ounces or liters.
    • Yet fill lines need some unique
      marks to tell them apart.
      • However numbers might be a poor
        choice since people might think they
        relate to liters or ounces.
  • Possible solution that relates to
    the elements in this proximity.
    • Many fill lines painted up the side,
      every quarter inch (6 mm) or so.
      • Mark each line with letters
        and/or a symbol or shape.
        • Suggest that the first time you make coffee, get a rough idea of the best fill line as
          follows: Fill your cup(s) with cold water and pour into the French press, so you can
          note which fill line is closest. Then add a couple lines for the coffee grounds.
          • After you make a few pots of coffee and make minor adjustments,
            you’ll know how many ground coffee scoops you like, and which
            fill line works best. Then you can do it the same every time.
  • How was proximity
    thinking used here?
    • The Core Idea
      • The ProxThink Core Idea is: “In a situation, change elements, relationships
        and the proximity to better relate to each other.” The blue crosslink lines
        above show some of the elements these solutions relate to better.
    • ProxPatterns
      • Relate a Variety
        • Many closely-spaced fill lines up the side relates to a
          wider variety of people, preferences and cup sizes.
      • Honor Integrity
        • Avoiding markings related to ounces, liters or numbers honors the
          need for international sales and the need to avoid confusion.
      • Create Links
        • Many closely-spaced fill lines marked with letters and/or symbols and shapes creates
          a link between the fill line that works best for you and the next time you make coffee.
      • Avoid Forcing
        • We avoided forcing people to use ounces, if they’re used to liters, and vice versa. And
          by using many fill lines, we avoided forcing the lines to relate to fixed cup sizes.
      • ProxAwareness
        • To become more aware of elements in the proximity of this situation.

• Questions? Contact us via proxthink.com.
• Created by David Loughry.
• As you find this rewarding, please proxri with the proximity in mind via proxthink.com.