I thinks this is very common problem which people neglects or forgets and dont care.
My Opinion on this problem: For easy to understand to all kind of people i prefer two options
1) Use Open and Close text buttons instead of icon buttons
2) Write text - 'open' and 'close' below of the icon atleast. it helps clarification of doubt.
Manufactures or who are design this board, i hope they are thinking about design look and feel or following their competitors ideas or taking inspirations from others to show to people attractive. In this case they might be forgetting about User Expereince- how many people understand their icons/ideas.
Unfortunately, people forget about this problem once they came out from the lift.
Better Experience in Movie Theaters i have seen:
'Exit' board above of the exit door with red light text. Easy to find out exit way even in emergency.
Some People converts their frustrating things to positive way to understand this is the best and this is from one of believed, top brand, most popular... by many people...blah blah...
I dont know who takes the care about these kind of issues