I mostly agree with the author’s perspective in this chapter that discoverability and comprehension are essential components of creating successful products and technical innovations. It’s fascinating to see how psychology has a big impact on solving problems and recurrent problems in design. Although the author doesn’t go into great detail about design psychology, it is clear that making devices that are both aesthetically beautiful and user-friendly can be challenging.
Think about something like an iPhone from Apple. They provide good examples of how to blend user friendliness and complexity. Despite having a very complex technological design, these devices are surprisingly simple to use. To make our lives easier, developers make a significant effort to accommodate human wants and preferences. Features like Airdrop, which facilitates seamless file sharing, or accessibility options for individuals with visual impairments, are evidence of this commitment.
According to the author, many designers are engineers who are very knowledgeable about technology but lack a thorough understanding of how people behave. They frequently believe that because they are people, they can easily understand how other people will view items or machines. Although I partially understand their position, I find it difficult for them to empathize with other people’s perspectives. Engineers would need to make an effort to understand the psychological aspects because they frequently rely primarily on reasoning and logic. This chapter made me realize the importance of psychology, particularly in professions that serve the needs of people even if they are not directly associated with psychological concerns.
Design and aesthetics are equally important in my opinion because they frequently affect people’s decisions. A product’s appearance and presentation get more detailed as it gets more complicated. Engineers must learn to hide complexity behind a beautiful façade and focus exclusively on what is aesthetically pleasing, straightforward, and understandable to humans. To accomplish this, designers must have a thorough understanding of human psychology, allowing them to foresee a variety of user scenarios and how the product may improve those experiences.