Norman, D. (2013). The design of everyday things: Revised and Expanded Edition Basic Books. ISBN: 978-0465050659
Quotation: "The Paradox of Technology: Technology offers the potential to make life easier and more enjoyable; each new technology provides increased benefits. At the same time, added complexities increase our difficulty with technology" (Norman, 2013, p.32).
My reflection: What impressed me the most was Norman's ability to expound upon a seemingly simple concept, broaden the scope of the discussion, and at the same time provide a usable construct from which to explore design. Unlike many other academics, Norman is both elucidating and concise. He avoids pomposity, maintains a humorous outlook, and makes the material both interesting and enlightening.
Modern Design is Complex
Interaction Design enhances people's understanding
Experience Design focuses on quality and enjoyment of the total experience
Industrial Design optimizes function, value and appearance.
Human Centered Design (HCD)
A Design Philosoophy
Puts human needs, capability and behavior first, then designs to accommodate them
Theree design areas of focus (disciplines)
Compatible with the design focus areas. Complements rather than competes with them
Five Fundamental Principles of Interaction
How fondly people view an interaction comes from experience
Cognition and emotion are intertwined
- Mappings
- Constraints
- Feedback
1.Affordances
- Signifiers
Relationship between a physical object and a person
Must be discoverable
Determine what actions are possible
Communicate where an action should take place
Can be deliberate and intentional
May be accidental and unintentional
Important communication device
Provide clues
Limits
Determine what actions are NOT possible
Relationship between the elements of two sets of things
Important for the design of controls and devices being controlled
Conceptual models provide a clear way to understand the mapping
Communicates the result of an acton
Should be immediate
Must be informative
Too slow - user loses interest
Not too little, not too much, but just right
Not a favorite with designers
Should not be disruptive