I believe it's called Universal Design. You can hear about that and curb cuts specifically in eps 308 of the 99% invisible podcast.

I think you're right. They probably don't know math. I mean, what would they need it for? They probably don't have to follow the laws of physics for the most part. If math is done it's probably 100% recreational.

Wouldn't the motion of the string move at the speed of the pull!? Assuming no compression.