Can we make beautiful and functional things? Should functionality precede aesthetics? These are the questions that Norman tries to tackle in his article by also incorporating human responses–emotions in object designs.
The Chair Institute
I presented the image above because it is ‘catchy’. In my opinion, the chair above is a redundant object. Most people would agree that a chair’s sole purpose is to provide seating. A well-designed chair, instead, would give a comfortable seating experience for the user. It is made out of hard material, unadjustable, and unwelcoming. The chair above lacks those usabilities.
Aesthetics matter. It influences the user’s reaction, hence, its experience with the object.
I reflect the P01 feature within the spacecraft. NASA thought that such a feature was redundant. Why would you add a button that would never be pressed? (Spoiler: it backfired). Redundant features, if done correctly, would heighten the design. Think about the chairs you would encounter in the library. They are amazing. The chairs have adjustable armrests, heights, recline, and even headrests. These features and adjustability are the perfect pieces that create comfort for any user, in any kind of situation, whether they require focus, or just to nap after work. Would I still use them if they don’t have these features? I doubt it at all.