An Elders Ideas

More questions, therefore, more talk about The Design of Everyday Things by Donald Norman. I believe this time I will go deeper into the article.

1. Select a brief passage from Chapter One of The Design of Everyday Things (Donald Norman) and post on your blog. Explain why you thought it was interesting.
   
   This passage is the last part of Donald Norman's anecdote on his conversation with a designer: "Now you understand," said the designer. " Consider the use of voice messages on complex devices such as cameras, soft drink machines, copiers. A failure. No longer even tried. Too ad. It us a good idea, for it can be very useful when the hands or eyes are busy elsewhere. But those first few attemps were very badly done and the public scoffed — properly. Now, nobody dares try it again, even i those places where it is needed." (29) My reason for selecting this passage is that while reading the chapter this was the only part that I have had not actually thought about. On all the other points the author made I had a say in my mind or I had thought about earlier: they were familiar points. However I reacted to this passage with an admiring "cool" and noted; g point as in good point. I found this idea very intelligent and I absolutely agree with it now I read it. This passage was like the last piece of a puzzle that made everything clear. Not only dazzling but it was also informing. After reading this I believe I took another step into the business word; thank you Norman!
   
   
2. Norman's book was first published in 1988 and still influences designers today. Why do you think this book continues to be influential 20 years later?
   I believe there are a few reasons. The first one is that Norman does not build his book on specific examples. Even though they are included in his book, they are open-ended examples of and common products. Also, the audience of the designers is still human beings as it was 20 years ago as it will be 20 years later. The addressee of the design did not change. The designers should make their products clear for the people and there is a general way in people's perception in such everyday things, therefore, Norman's points are still influential. The way people perceive things now is not much different from the way they did years ago. Yes, the technology changed, the environment and the norms have been modified, but still people use the the simple everyday objects as simple everyday objects: a door is still a door. Hence, Norman talking on simple everyday products also makes his points influential after long years. Furthermore, his points in the book are clear and precise. He just tells what is wrong and how things should be. In a nut shell, Norman addressing common points in a clear tone makes his book influential even after all those years. Honestly, I believed this was a recently published book before reading this question.
   
3. Based on this chapter, what factors would you include on a checklist for evaluating the design of a product?
   
   • How easy is it to use the product?
   • Is it universally comprehensible?
   • Is it simple and not complicated?
   • Button/function ratio (does not have to be 1 but a button should not have millions of functions)
   • Does it include natural mapping?
   • How easy is it to remember the use of controls?
   • Explanatory words/letters/pictures (I disagree with Norman and still believe these should exist.)
   • After all of these is it attractive and aesthetic?
   • How function-able/needed is it?
   • Will people buy it?