Revolutionize Your Perception: The Design of Everyday Things Review

"The Design of Everyday Things" by Don Norman is a seminal book on design that explores the relationship between people and the products they use. In the introduction, Norman sets out his central thesis: that design is about creating products and experiences that are intuitive and easy to use, and that good design can improve our lives in countless ways. He argues that many of the products we use today are poorly designed, causing frustration and confusion for users, and that designers have a responsibility to create products that are both functional and enjoyable to use.

ABOUT AUTHOR:

Don Norman is a cognitive scientist and usability engineer who is widely known for his work on design, human-centered design, and user experience. He was born on December 25, 1935, in the United States. Norman is a professor emeritus of cognitive science at the University of California, San Diego, where he was the founding chair of the Department of Cognitive Science and a professor of psychology and cognitive science. He has also worked as a vice president of Apple Computer and an executive at Hewlett-Packard.

SUMMARY:

Norman begins the book by introducing the concept of affordances, which are the perceived properties of an object that suggest how it can be used. For example, a door handle affords pulling, while a push plate affords pushing. Understanding these affordances is key to creating designs that are easy to use and understand.

Norman then goes on to discuss the importance of feedback in design. Feedback is the information that a user receives about the state of a system or object, and it is essential for allowing users to understand what actions they can take and what the consequences of those actions will be. Norman argues that feedback should be immediate, informative, and relevant to the user's goals.

One of the most compelling sections of the book is Norman's discussion of the seven stages of action, which are the mental and physical steps that a user goes through in order to complete a task. Norman argues that designers must understand these stages in order to create products that are easy to use and that meet the needs of users.

Another important concept that Norman discusses in the book is mapping, which is the relationship between the controls of a device and the effects that those controls have on the system. For example, the controls of a car are mapped to the movement of the car, so that turning the steering wheel to the left causes the car to turn to the left. Good mapping is essential for creating designs that are intuitive and easy to use.

Norman also emphasizes the importance of error prevention and recovery in design. He argues that designers must anticipate the ways in which users might make mistakes, and create systems that are resilient and forgiving when errors do occur.

Throughout the book, Norman uses real-world examples to illustrate his points, ranging from the design of doors and light switches to complex systems like airplane cockpits. He also provides practical advice for designers, including the importance of user testing and the need for a holistic approach to design that takes into account the entire user experience.

EVALUATION:

"The Design of Everyday Things" by Don Norman is a must-read for anyone interested in design, user experience, and human-computer interaction. Norman's insights into the relationship between people and the products they use are profound and thought-provoking, and his practical advice for designers is invaluable.

One of the strengths of the book is Norman's ability to explain complex concepts in a clear and engaging way. He uses real-world examples to illustrate his points, making the book accessible to readers with a range of backgrounds and interests. His writing is also peppered with humor and anecdotes, which makes the book enjoyable to read.

Another strength of the book is its practical focus. Norman provides numerous examples of good and bad design, and he offers concrete advice for designers on how to create products that are easy to use and understand. His emphasis on the importance of feedback, error prevention and recovery, and mapping are particularly useful for designers who are looking to improve the user experience of their products.

One potential weakness of the book is its age. "The Design of Everyday Things" was first published in 1988, and some of the examples and technologies that Norman discusses are now outdated. However, the book has been updated and revised several times, and Norman's ideas are still relevant today. In fact, many of the concepts that Norman introduced in the book have become foundational in the field of human-computer interaction.

Overall, "The Design of Everyday Things" is an essential read for designers, engineers, and anyone interested in the relationship between people and technology. Norman's ideas are timeless, and his practical advice for creating user-friendly products is invaluable. Whether you are a seasoned designer or just starting out, this book is sure to provide insights and inspiration that will help you create better products and experiences.

DOWNLOAD BOOK BY CLICKING HERE!