An elevator is a platform that is used for lifting or lowering people, things, and goods to the upper or lower floor levels with ease. In the earlier years, it was not mandatory for multi-story buildings to be equipped with an elevator or lift. This was because most real estate investors considered it a waste of money to install elevators that were expensive and hard to maintain.

But in recent years with the spread of westernization, lifestyle changes and societal view which demands improvement of facilities for the elderly and disabled has made elevators and escalators mandatory in many places. This practice was followed by constructors and real estate investors who started installing elevators and lifts in multi-storey buildings to make it convenient for people, elders and people with disabilities to easily access multiple floors.

From the initial period when the elevator was invented in the early 18th century not much of its original purpose has changed although its design, power, speed, control systems and most of all its safety has been highly modified and improved. In order to ensure the sturdiness and durability of the elevator, the cabin and body of the elevator were made from steel and similar sturdy materials. The pulley used by the hoistway is placed near the elevator shaft spanned side to side, which in turn is controlled by a set of steel beams placed above the elevator cable.

In modern elevators, most cabins and cars have additional technology installed inside them. Some have a voice announcing system, LCD display, infrared door detector to keep the door open or closed, or phones to allow occupants to call for help in the event of an emergency.

Modern elevators are designed and fitted into buildings as per the building's needs and specifications like the population, carrying capacity and duty; like how some buildings have large elevators for cargo transport or how hospital elevators allow for easy access and movement of patients and large equipment.