Reading “The Design of Everyday Things” by Don Norman has made me rethink my everyday frustrations with things like doors and appliances. It’s pretty eye-opening to see how common it is to struggle with objects that are supposed to be simple. The idea of “Norman doors” – doors that confuse you whether to push or pull – is something I can relate to. It turns out these annoyances aren’t just random; they’re often the result of poor design choices that don’t consider the user’s experience.
Norman talks a lot about the importance of making things intuitive, which makes sense. It’s frustrating to need signs or instructions for something as basic as a door. But the book also points out how often design prioritizes looks over functionality, leading to unnecessary complexity. This struck a chord with me because it’s not just about aesthetics; it’s about making things harder to use than needed.
The book has made me more aware of the design choices around me and sparked an interest in looking at everyday objects more critically. It’s one thing to appreciate good design when everything works smoothly, but Norman’s perspective has made me more conscious of how rare that is.