Reference
Title: The Design of Everyday Things
Author: Donald A. Norman
Chapter 1
Summary
The first chapter is largely about a combination of user/human error and its perception, and the excessive complexity of common technology. Some of the key design points he mentioned include visibility, intuitive design, mapping, and feedback.
Discussion
I liked this reading a lot, and I think that the author has some truly innovative and important ideas to convey. However I think most of the problems he describes come from base problems in human nature regarding product development, especially in a market economy. Developers suffer from a lack of an objective perspective that is powerful enough to dissuade them of their preconceptions regarding the product they are designing. Perhaps some of Donald Norman's ideas could lessen these preconceptions in the design process however.
Chapter 2
Summary
The second chapter places a larger emphasis on the false perception of human error. This includes concepts such as learned and taught denominations regarding helplessness. To better understand and justify these claims, the author also spends a significant amount of the chapter outlining the stages of action and the natural thought process.
Discussion
As with the first chapter, I greatly enjoyed this reading. I felt like the author set the reader up well for the second chapter, as the first chapter is sort of a discussion of the problem, while the second chapter is more solution focused. It is interesting that despite the length of these readings relative to other readings, I found this reading to be much more fluid, and personally perceived it as faster. I think this point draws a parallel with what the author is trying to accomplish and is definitely a strong point in his favor.
No comments:
Post a Comment