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The Thoughtless Design of Everyday Things: Uncover the Hidden Flaws in Common Objects

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The Thoughtless Design of Everyday Things

by Karl Wiegers

4.9 out of 5

Language	:	English
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In our fast-paced world, we often take for granted the everyday objects that make our lives easier. But have you ever wondered why some products are so easy to use, while others seem to be designed to frustrate us? The answer lies in the principles of user-centered design.

In his groundbreaking book, "The Thoughtless Design of Everyday Things," cognitive scientist and psychologist Don Norman sheds light on the common design flaws that make products difficult to use. Norman argues that good product design should focus on the user's cognitive abilities and limitations, creating products that are intuitive and easy to interact with.

Flaws in Everyday Design

Norman identifies seven common design flaws that make products frustrating to use:

Lack of affordance: This refers to the physical characteristics of an object that indicate how it should be used. For example, a door knob should be shaped in a way that suggests you can turn it to open the door.
Inconsistent mapping: This occurs when the relationship between the controls and the results is not clear. For example, if a stovetop has a knob that is labeled "left," but turning it to the left turns on the right burner, this is an example of inconsistent mapping.
Lack of feedback: This refers to the absence of information that tells the user what is happening when they interact with a product. For example, if you press a button and nothing happens, you may not know if the button is working or not.
Multiple models: This occurs when different versions of a product have different ways of ng the same thing. For example, some cars have the turn signal lever on the left, while others have it on the right.
Slip errors: These are mistakes that occur when a user accidentally does the wrong thing. For example, if you accidentally press the wrong button on a remote control, this is an example of a slip error.
Mode errors: These are mistakes that occur when a user is in the wrong mode. For example, if you try to use a microwave to heat up a metal object, this is an example of a mode error.
Capture errors: These are mistakes that occur when a user is unable to recover from an error. For example, if you accidentally drop a glass on the floor and it breaks, this is an example of a capture error.

Principles of User-Centered Design

Norman also outlines several principles of user-centered design that can help designers create more user-friendly products:

Focus on the user's goals: Designers should understand what users are trying to achieve when they use a product, and design products accordingly.
Make products visible: Users should be able to easily see and understand how to use a product.
Provide feedback: Users should be given clear and timely feedback about what is happening when they interact with a product.
Be consistent: Products should use consistent design principles and conventions to make them easier to learn and use.
Minimize errors: Designers should take steps to minimize the chances of users making mistakes, and make it easy to recover from errors.
Consider the user's environment: Designers should consider the real-world context in which products will be used, and design products accordingly.

The Thoughtless Design of Everyday Things is a must-read for anyone interested in design, usability, or human factors. Norman's insights into the common flaws in product design are invaluable for designers who want to create products that are truly user-friendly. By following the principles of user-centered design, designers can create products that are more intuitive, efficient, and enjoyable to use.

So, next time you find yourself struggling to use a product, take a moment to consider whether it is because of a design flaw. And if you are a designer, remember to keep the user's needs in mind when creating new products.

By understanding the principles of user-centered design, we can create a world where everyday objects are designed to make our lives easier, not harder.

The Thoughtless Design of Everyday Things

by Karl Wiegers

4.9 out of 5