#1: Emotion & Design: Attractive Things Work Better
In “Emotion & Design: Attractive Things Work Better,” Donald Norman explores the impact of affect and emotion on design, emphasizing the relationship between usability and aesthetics. He clarifies how the effect affects cognitive function. For instance, although negative affect increases depth-first processing and focusses cognition, positive affect promotes creativity and flexibility. In addition, Norman highlights the importance of human-centered design and how important it is in high-stress situations when it may reduce issues and enhance usability. He illustrates these concepts and shows how environment and mood influence one’s choice of design by comparing three teapots. Furthermore, he argues that beautiful things work better because they can foster better performance, learning, and overall harmony.
He also looks at how affect influences behavior, arguing that negative affect improves focus and concentration while positive emotion fosters creativity by molding perceptions and judgments. Moreover, he then highlights how crucial thoughtful human-centered design is in high-stress situations, when cutting down on distractions and annoyances becomes crucial. Conversely, in neutral or advantageous conditions, the design’s pleasure and visual attractiveness might encourage positive affect, inventiveness, and the capacity to withstand minor setbacks. Norman challenges the notion that utility should take precedence over beauty in design and instead advocates for a balance between the two. In the end, he disavows the idea that style should supersede utility, highlighting the need for truly beautiful objects to have a purpose and be practical.
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