Don Norman’s “The Design of Everyday Things” is a foundational text that delves into user-centered design, emphasizing that effective design should be intuitive and enhance our daily interactions with objects. Norman’s insights are grounded in cognitive psychology, helping readers understand why many everyday items frustrate us—often due to poor design rather than user error.
One of the book’s significant strengths is its accessibility. Norman uses relatable examples, such as door handles and kitchen appliances, to illustrate his points, making complex concepts digestible for readers with no formal design background. This practical approach reinforces the importance of usability and encourages readers to apply these lessons to improve their own designs.
Norman also addresses the critical collaboration between designers and engineers. He argues that engineers, while focused on functionality and efficiency, can overlook user experience. By advocating for an integrated approach, he underscores the need for both disciplines to work together from the outset to prioritize usability alongside technical performance.
Feedback in design is another key concept Norman explores. He points out that while a simple light switch might seem straightforward, its effectiveness hinges on clear indicators of its status. This discussion underscores how good design should ensure that users can easily understand the state of the object they’re interacting with, enhancing overall usability. The light bulb serves as a practical example of how design choices impact everyday experiences.
The balance between aesthetics and functionality is also a recurring theme. Norman cautions that a beautifully designed object that is difficult to use ultimately fails its purpose. This serves as a reminder that good design should harmonize visual appeal with user experience.
However, some readers may find the book somewhat outdated in terms of technological references, as it was originally published in 1988 under the title The Psychology of Everyday Things (often abbreviated POET or DOET). While the author acknowledges this in the revised and expanded edition, they also highlight the need for updated terminology in engineering language. The author emphasizes that evolving language is crucial to keep pace with rapid technological advancements, ensuring that the field of design remains adaptive and forward-thinking. Yet, the fundamental principles Norman discusses—such as affordances, feedback, and mapping—remain timeless and relevant across various fields, including product design, architecture, and even digital interfaces.
In conclusion, The Design of Everyday Things is a must-read for anyone interested in the connection between objects and human behavior. It encourages readers to critically assess the designs they interact with daily and advocates for creating solutions that simplify rather than complicate our lives. The main critique is that the author occasionally repeats points, making the text feel somewhat textbook-like and at times redundant, which can disrupt the flow of the narrative. Regardless of whether you’re an experienced engineer or new to the field, Norman’s insights provide valuable lessons that can strengthen a user-centered design ethos.
Book Reviewed By: George Johnson, IEEE Photonics Newsroom Book Reviewer
