Donald Norman’s exploration of the intersection between technology and psychology in the context of design strikes a chord with anyone who has ever interacted with modern products. In a world where technological advancements abound, Norman’s central argument, that design should encompass more than just functionality, resonates deeply. It’s a view that goes beyond the realm of theory and feels undeniably pertinent to our daily lives.
Engineers often excel at creating products that function flawlessly, yet they may falter when it comes to the user experience. A personal experience that illustrates this disconnect is the time I ordered a make at home clock on amazon that came with a complete user manual. On the surface, assembling the clock seemed like a straightforward process. However, despite the presence of a user manual, I found myself grappling with the intricacies of the clock’s operation.I think this experience underscores Norman’s assertion that effective design should prioritize the user’s experience, making products not only functional but also intuitive and accessible. The clock’s design may have been functionally sound from an engineering perspective, ensuring that it kept accurate time. Still, it failed in terms of user-friendliness.
Morever, Norman’s discussion on “discoverability” also resonates with my own experiences. He emphasizes the importance of understanding the connection between cognition and emotion in design. When interacting with products, users must effortlessly perceive how they work and what operations are possible based on the design cues and characteristics (affordances) of the product.
I think Norman’s insights challenge the conventional engineering-centric approach, advocating for designs that seamlessly cater to the average user’s perspective and understanding. I think Human centered design, as proposed by Norman, has the potential to bridge the gap between technological functionality and intuitive user experiences.