Chapter 1 of “The Design of Everyday Things” by Donald A. Norman introduces a comprehensive perspective on design as a field that encompasses a wide array of artificial creations, including clothing, furniture, and bridges. Norman’s unique approach, particularly remarkable in the 1980s, melds three major design domains that were typically considered distinct at the time. These domains are industrial design, emphasizing the optimization of function, appearance, and value for users and manufacturers; interaction design, drawing on psychology, art, and emotion to understand how humans interact with technology; and experience design, which places a strong focus on enhancing user enjoyment.
Within this context, Norman argues that good design should be human-centered, emphasizing the crucial roles of discoverability and understanding in the usability of everyday objects. He also highlights the importance of effective communication between machines and users, emphasizing the need for products to not only perform well but also be easily interpretable. Norman’s call for designers to pay attention to situations when things go wrong underscores the significance of user satisfaction. In essence, Chapter 1 sets the tone for the book by advocating for design principles that prioritize user needs, usability, and satisfaction while integrating various design disciplines, making it a seminal work in the field of design.