I mean realistically, it combines my fascination with human behavior and stuff people don’t even think about doing, with tangible data as a result of it. I think it’s fascinating and something that actually went pretty overlooked in my life until I discovered this sub
THAT. I had a similar fascination when I visited the old Delhi market (Chandni Chowk), in India, and seeing how these thousands of individual sellers have stands that organize mostly by themes (clock parts, clothes, ratio parts, car parts, lamps, etc.) with no guidance. Humans are fascinatingly self organizing, spontaneously creating more order from chaos than what actively trying to organize chaos could ever produce.
Desire paths are a microcosm of that. Even when we make random, nowhere shortcuts, we self organize as a group and optimize.
I’m also interested in human behaviour but I also like to think I’m an extremely practical person and maybe that’s why I like them? But you know what I like more than practically is seeing organised fuck ups and shitty path designs getting called out one step at a time. I’m a rebel at heart and I think everyone else here is too. Screw your stupid paved path that doesn’t make sense. We the people will show you the way.
I like having objective proof that somebody was wrong. Nothing more clear than a well worn desire path to prove somebody wasn't designing for the users.
I just discovered this sub when I was today years old. I love it! I have to go take some pics in my back yard, I have a cute animal path running though there that I leave alone because it is so interesting to me.
A desire path is formed when people or animals repeatedly take a shortcut or alternative route instead of a designed pathway. Over the years, these paths emerge due to habitual movement, gradually eroding vegetation and compacting soil. Here’s how they develop and how nature self-adjusts:
Formation of Desire Paths
Initial Foot Traffic – A few individuals take a more direct or convenient route, slightly disturbing vegetation.
Increased Use – As more people follow, the ground gets compacted, and vegetation dies off.
Erosion & Widening – Wind, rain, and continued use remove loose soil, widening and deepening the path.
Permanent Pathway – If usage continues for years, the path can become a well-trodden trail with exposed soil, gravel, or even mud in wet conditions.
Nature's Self-Adjustment
Despite human impact, nature has ways of reclaiming these paths:
Regrowth of Vegetation – If people stop using the path, grass and plants begin growing back, slowly covering the trail.
Soil Restoration – Decomposed organic matter from falling leaves and rain can replenish the soil structure over time.
Animal Activity – Burrowing animals and insects aerate the soil, helping plants reestablish.
Water Flow Changes – If the path disrupts natural drainage, water erosion may alter or redirect the path, sometimes forming new landscapes.
Nature balances between adapting to human behavior and reclaiming abandoned spaces. That’s why old trails sometimes vanish, while frequently used desire paths become permanent features.
I mean realistically, it combines my fascination with human behavior and stuff people don’t even think about doing, with tangible data as a result of it. I think it’s fascinating and something that actually went pretty overlooked in my life until I discovered this sub
THAT. I had a similar fascination when I visited the old Delhi market (Chandni Chowk), in India, and seeing how these thousands of individual sellers have stands that organize mostly by themes (clock parts, clothes, ratio parts, car parts, lamps, etc.) with no guidance. Humans are fascinatingly self organizing, spontaneously creating more order from chaos than what actively trying to organize chaos could ever produce.
Desire paths are a microcosm of that. Even when we make random, nowhere shortcuts, we self organize as a group and optimize.
i love how much a silly little path can get someone so much to think about. i agree with everything that you said :)
I’ve never felt more like an ant than i have after reading this comment
I’m also interested in human behaviour but I also like to think I’m an extremely practical person and maybe that’s why I like them? But you know what I like more than practically is seeing organised fuck ups and shitty path designs getting called out one step at a time. I’m a rebel at heart and I think everyone else here is too. Screw your stupid paved path that doesn’t make sense. We the people will show you the way.
I like having objective proof that somebody was wrong. Nothing more clear than a well worn desire path to prove somebody wasn't designing for the users.
I'm also very interested in urban planning and development, so this sub is amazing.
I've always thought about these, didn't discover the subreddit or name for these until 5 minutes ago.
same lol I think I came across this sub months ago from r/mildlyinteresting and it’s mildly interesting enough to keep me around!
😭😭 thank you!!
We found this sub the same way!
Haha my wife thinks I’m an idiot AND I’ve never even posted any of my gems.
Should this sub be nsfw like r/chairsunderwater?
r/chairsunderwater is only NSFW when the chairs are not fully submerged in water. We'd need an acronym...
I would never guess such a sub existed. Immediately joined! 👍
I subbed just so I can enjoy watching you freaks love dirt.
And I mean that in the nicest way possible.
We all say the same thing when we join.
[deleted]
I have a friend who wrote a paper on the subject, though she called them "ad hoc" paths. Definitely a keeper.
[removed]
"You can't see it? Really? You're not kidding... are you?
Oh, um, well. Just checking my camera.
Bye!"
HA! too true...too true.
Human behavior mixed with humans trying to control human behavior....
They're just the best.
Cozy.pepe
I just discovered this sub when I was today years old. I love it! I have to go take some pics in my back yard, I have a cute animal path running though there that I leave alone because it is so interesting to me.
So are we posting memes here now? Here we go
Only if they're dank.
How you gonna try to bump a 5 month old thread XD
Is she holding a turd?
⁹wjy
I think y’all would be interested in Norman doors where it’s a push when it has a grab handle etc
A desire path is formed when people or animals repeatedly take a shortcut or alternative route instead of a designed pathway. Over the years, these paths emerge due to habitual movement, gradually eroding vegetation and compacting soil. Here’s how they develop and how nature self-adjusts:
Formation of Desire Paths
Initial Foot Traffic – A few individuals take a more direct or convenient route, slightly disturbing vegetation.
Increased Use – As more people follow, the ground gets compacted, and vegetation dies off.
Erosion & Widening – Wind, rain, and continued use remove loose soil, widening and deepening the path.
Permanent Pathway – If usage continues for years, the path can become a well-trodden trail with exposed soil, gravel, or even mud in wet conditions.
Nature's Self-Adjustment
Despite human impact, nature has ways of reclaiming these paths:
Regrowth of Vegetation – If people stop using the path, grass and plants begin growing back, slowly covering the trail.
Soil Restoration – Decomposed organic matter from falling leaves and rain can replenish the soil structure over time.
Animal Activity – Burrowing animals and insects aerate the soil, helping plants reestablish.
Water Flow Changes – If the path disrupts natural drainage, water erosion may alter or redirect the path, sometimes forming new landscapes.
Nature balances between adapting to human behavior and reclaiming abandoned spaces. That’s why old trails sometimes vanish, while frequently used desire paths become permanent features.
I can hear Deltarune's freedom motif in every picture of a desire path
r/simpsonsshitposting is leaking.