Norman,“Emotion & Design: Attractive things work better”
Having read Norman’s thoughts on how emotions impact design, I’m struck by how feelings influence our thinking and actions. He suggests that feeling positive boosts creativity, while feeling negative sharpens our focus. I can relate to this from my own experiences: feeling happy often leads to creative ideas, while stress can make me intensely focused. Norman highlights the importance of designing products with people’s emotions in mind, which makes sense to me. It’s crucial to create things that not only work well but also make users feel good.
I understand Normal is majorly biased towards attractiveness, he mentioned “…attractive things work better” (Pg 1). However, while Norman also argues that good design should balance aesthetics and functionality, I wonder if focusing too much on looks could sacrifice practicality. Sure, attractive designs can enhance the user experience, but can they make up for flaws in how something works? Norman’s ideas make me think about what really matters in design. Shouldn’t the main goal be to create products that are both visually appealing and easy to use? Norman also makes me wonder how designers can use emotions to make products more engaging. How can they tap into our feelings to make us enjoy using things more? Overall, Norman’s ideas have made me rethink how emotions, looks, and usability all play a part in making products that people love to use.
Her Code Got Humans on the Moon
Learning about Margaret Hamilton’s groundbreaking work in software engineering for the Apollo space program was incredibly inspiring. Her journey from being a young mother with a math degree to leading a team that created vital software for the Apollo missions shows her determination and talent. It’s amazing how she managed to balance being a mom and a pioneering programmer, challenging stereotypes and showing the importance of diversity in STEM fields.
One moment that really stood out to me was when Hamilton’s daughter accidentally caused an error in the MIT command module simulator. Even though Hamilton suggested adding code to prevent such mistakes, NASA dismissed her idea, thinking astronauts wouldn’t make errors. This shows the need to consider all possibilities and have safeguards, especially in important situations. It also makes me think about the consequences of ignoring suggestions based on assumptions about people never making mistakes.
Overall Hamilton’s story makes me reflect on the ongoing gender gaps in STEM fields and why it’s important to recognize women’s contributions to technology. It reminds me of the need to promote inclusivity and diversity, especially in fields where they’ve been overlooked. Moreover it also highlights the importance of rigorous testing and error prevention in complex systems, also reminding us to stay humble and prepared for anything.
Upon conclusion, as I witnessed Hamilton’s work, I’m left questioning: What more can be done to encourage women to pursue careers in STEM fields and break through gender barriers? How can we ensure that all voices are heard and respected in technological advancements and innovations?