Donald A. Norman: “Emotion & Design: Attractive things work better”
I really enjoyed reading this article, as it emphasizes the significance of both usability and aesthetics. The author also recognizes that it is crucial to have human interaction with products and a comprehensive design approach. I feel that the article is especially true in today’s context as the visual attractiveness of a product has the potential to greatly improve the user’s overall experience. For instance, I found myself mentioning in a family conversation that an application from my home country’s bank is very useful, simple to use, and attractive, compared to other applications I have used in the past, which makes my overall experience with the bank account very pleasant. Although I really enjoyed reading this article, I am still interested in how to find the correct balance ratio between aesthetics and usability.
In my opinion, there is no indication of the author’s bias in this article. However, it is essential to note that the author explicitly states that he is a secret admirer of attractive products, which may emphasize that he leans more toward aesthetics and design than the product’s usability, which may function as a potential bias. Moreover, this article talks a lot about cognition and its effects on the user experience of the product but there is no empirical evidence or extensive research to support the claims the author makes. His arguments rely more on personal anecdotes and observations. This is not a bad thing to do considering the format of the article, but I am sure it would be useful for such readers as myself to have research-based evidence indicated in the article.
Her Code Got Humans on the Moon—And Invented Software Itself
I liked this article because it provides a historical account of Margaret Hamilton’s contributions to software development and her role in the Apollo space program. I believe it is very important to learn about people who pioneered the field of software development because it helps to understand the historical context and evolution of software engineering. This article not only provides insights into the early stages of the field and how it has progressed over time, but it can also provide inspiration and motivation to aspiring software engineers, showing that people with quick thinking, determination, and problem-solving skills, like Hamilton, can make a significant impact in the field. This article made me think that learning about the work of pioneers actually makes us feel appreciation for what has been done before us and what became the basis of our daily lives.
Moreover, I liked this article because it emphasizes that Hamilton was an outlier, as she was one of the few women working in tech and engineering. The article mentions how Hamilton’s role as a working mother and a spaceship programmer was challenging because people questioned her ability to balance her career and motherhood. I believe that by showcasing Hamilton’s accomplishments and contributions, the article challenges traditional gender roles and stereotypes. It sheds light on the importance of recognizing and celebrating the achievements of women in the field of software development, as well as the need for greater diversity and inclusion in the industry.