While not new, since the concept was already described by Christopher Alexander in its architectural theories, it only gathered some traction in programming due to the publication of Design Patterns: Elements of Reusable Object-Oriented Software book in October 1994 by Erich Gamma, Richard Helm, Ralph Johnson and John Vlissides, known as the Gang of Four (GoF), that identifies and describes 23 classic software design patterns.
Use a calculator to calculate the stair riser length or the number of steps you'll need. Divide the height from the first floor to the top of the second floor by a predetermined height of your choice for the riser. The typical height of a riser is 6 or 7 inches (15 to 17.5 cm).
Straight stairs do not offer this privacy. A stair 12 feet high requires a landing to break up the span. The addition of a landing will use up allot more space and therefore these types of stairs are seldom used in residential construction. You will see these more frequently in large commercial buildings.