In my opinion, Donald A. Norman’s insights in the first chapter of “The Design of Everyday Things” are incredibly relevant and thought-provoking. He raises a crucial point about the role of design in our daily lives and the impact it has on our experiences.
Norman’s concept of “the psychopathology of everyday things” is something we can all relate to. How often have we struggled with a poorly designed door handle or a confusing remote control? It can be incredibly frustrating, and Norman rightly shifts the blame from the users to the design itself. The idea that design should prioritize the needs and convenience of regular people, rather than serving as a showcase for designers’ creativity, resonates with me. Good design, in my view, should indeed be about simplifying and enhancing our lives, not adding unnecessary complexity. I appreciate Norman’s emphasis on Human-Centered Design, which underscores the importance of considering how people actually use things in their daily lives. It’s a reminder that designers should be creating products and interfaces that make our lives easier, not more complicated.
Moreover, I also agree with the author about how design should be approached as a deliberate subject rather than relying solely on intuition. It’s not a straightforward task, especially when considering the diverse ways people across the globe understand things based on their cultural and environmental contexts. What may seem logical in one culture or region may not be the same in another. For instance, a common design for doors in America might not apply universally in a place like Egypt. This highlights the need for a universal design approach that transcends individual logic and cultural differences. Designers must strive to create solutions that can be understood and used effectively by a broad spectrum of users, acknowledging that their own logic may not align with the users’ perspectives and expectations.
Ultimately, Norman’s message serves as a valuable reminder that when things are hard to use, it’s not our fault. It’s a call to action for designers to prioritize usability and user experience in their creations, and I wholeheartedly agree with that sentiment.