Much of the tablecloth was a series of grey smudges outlined in a large, irregular patch of yellow that looked distressingly like a urine stain.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- A tablecloth pattern resembles a urine stain, highlighting an awkward visual similarity in a dining setting.
- In plain terms
- The tablecloth design looks like a pee stain.
- What can you take from it?
- Design choices can accidentally resemble unappealing things.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- What designs make you uncomfortable?
- How do you judge aesthetics?
Another view
Context changes how we interpret visual patterns.
More from Bill Bryson
For forty years or so this was the world headquarters of conspicuous consumption.
Permalink to quote #10 We used to build civilizations. Now we build shopping malls. [Copenhagen]
Permalink to quote #12 I mused for a few moments on the question of which was worse, to lead a life so boring that you are easily enchanted or a life so full of stimulus that you are…
Permalink to quote #9
Related quotes
What else are you supposed to give hookers in hotel rooms? 'Yoghurt, anybody? I made some yoghurt this morning, would you like some? It's got Granola and every…
Dylan MoranDylan Moran quote #4 He had the kind of handshake that ought never to be used except as a tourniquet.
Denis NordenDenis Norden quote #1 The good thing about reinventing the wheel is that you can get a round one.
Douglas CrockfordDouglas Crockford quote #1