Quick Summary : The Design of Everyday Things
“The Design of Everyday Things” is a book written by Don Norman, a cognitive scientist and usability engineer. The book focuses on the design of objects and systems, and how they can be improved to better serve their users.
Norman begins by discussing the importance of good design, and how it can make our lives easier and more enjoyable. He emphasizes the need for designers to focus on the needs of their users, rather than on aesthetics or technology.
The book then delves into the concept of affordances, which refers to the properties of an object or system that suggest how it should be used. Norman argues that good design should make these affordances clear and intuitive, allowing users to easily understand how to interact with an object or system.
The book also covers the concept of feedback, which refers to the information that an object or system provides to a user about its state and the effects of their actions. Norman argues that good design should provide clear and immediate feedback to users, allowing them to easily understand the consequences of their actions and make informed decisions.
Norman also discusses the importance of mental models, which are the internal representations that users create to understand how an object or system works. He argues that good design should be consistent with users’ mental models, making it easier for them to understand and use an object or system.
The book includes numerous examples of good and bad design, ranging from door handles and light switches to complex computer systems. Norman uses these examples to illustrate his points and show how good design can improve the usability and effectiveness of an object or system.
Key Points :
- Good design is user-centered: Design should focus on meeting the needs of users, rather than simply being aesthetically pleasing.
- Affordances: Design should make it clear how an object or system should be used, with its properties suggesting its function.
- Feedback: Design should provide clear and immediate feedback to users, allowing them to understand the consequences of their actions.
- Mental models: Design should be consistent with users’ mental models, making it easier for them to understand and use an object or system.
- Mapping: The relationship between controls and their effects should be clear and intuitive.
- Constraints: Design should use physical or logical constraints to prevent users from making errors or using an object or system in unintended ways.
- Discoverability: Design should make it easy for users to discover the features and functions of an object or system.
- Errors: Design should anticipate and minimize the occurrence and impact of errors.
- Design thinking: Designers should approach design problems with empathy, creativity, and an open mind.
- Collaboration: Effective design requires collaboration between designers, engineers, and other stakeholders.
Overall, “The Design of Everyday Things” is a thought-provoking and informative book that provides valuable insights into the principles of good design. Whether you are a designer, engineer, or simply someone interested in the way objects and systems work, this book is sure to provide valuable insights and inspiration.
