About this page:
"There's no human error, just bad design." - Don Norman
This page contains my key takeaways and major learning points from reading The Design of Everyday Things. It was an eye-opening book that illustrated how design and technology interact with each other. Here, you'll find my insights and reflections after reading the book.
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Major points
- Affordances and Signifiers:
- Understanding the difference between affordances and signifiers is crucial. Affordances are the possible actions an object provides, while signifiers indicate where the action should take place.
- The Importance of Feedback:
- Feedback is essential in design. It helps users understand the result of their actions, making interactions clear and effective.
- Constraints and Discoverability:
- Good design involves constraints that guide users towards the correct usage and ensure that the functions of a product are easily discoverable.
- The Role of Human-Centered Design:
- Designing with the user in mind is paramount. Norman emphasizes the need to prioritize user needs and behaviors over purely aesthetic considerations.
- Error Prevention and Recovery:
- Effective designs prevent errors by anticipating potential user mistakes and offering easy recovery options when errors occur.