[twirligigue]

The motivation is probably due to Star Trek. Who wouldn't want swishy Star Trek doors? Ironically they were opened by hand from behind the scenes, at least in the first shows.

Also, 'Computer, locate my husband.' 'Your husband is in the attic'. etc.

[foxyv]

I think the most miraculous invention of the Star Trek universe is a code of ethics that people actually followed. They didn't have the endless power hungry narcissists that are endemic to every human society. It's the least probable aspect of the series even including warp drives and teleporters. Maybe they all died in World War 3?

[twirligigue]

Yes, although I think the absence of those power hungry narcissists (who no doubt lurk back at Star Fleet HQ) would be more down to having a relatively isolated and small group of people living and working in close proximity. Dark triad individuals can be identified early and worked around or placed where they cannot harm. An explicit code of ethics would be an Achilles heel because any such a code can be hacked or subverted.

[philwelch]

> They didn't have the endless power hungry narcissists that are endemic to every human society.

Of course they did. Most of the Admirals were like that.

[gruez]

>Who wouldn't want swishy Star Trek doors?

all the times the crew got trapped because the doors were made inoperable by [plot device]?

[twirligigue]

Yes! I think TNG showed some of the problems with automated doors:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yKdqBHExH9I