"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.
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