Month: March 2024

Week 8 Reading Response

Emotion & Design: Attractive things work better

While reading this passage, one of the aspects that piqued my interest was the discussion of the affective system. The affective system seems to awfully relate to utilitarianism in the sense that it judges and classifies aspects of life to binary entities of positive and negative. As utilitarianism is highly contextual and can be proven null based on certain contexts, I believe that affective system can also prove to be useless in certain contexts. There could be scenarios where the affective system judges something to be positive and yet the cognitive system could not make sense of it, which would imply that there are not enough information to make sense of it based on the contextual information alone.

Her Code Got Humans on the Moon—And Invented Software Itself

As a software engineer enthusiast, Margaret Hamilton has always been an idol to me. The way she not only contributed significantly to Apollo, but also paved the way for the present software engineers when she was the minority in the field. As stated by the passage, there have been numerous denials and harsh comments about her regarding her situation as a mother and also the situation regarding the P01 program, but ultimately she have proven many doubters wrong. I distinctly remember the picture of her where she held a stack of papers her height which consisted of her handwritten codes. To be writing such important codes without any IDE s, compilers or helper tools is beyond me.

The nexus between software engineering and design is profound, with user interface and system design serving as pivotal components. Margaret Hamilton’s contributions to Apollo and the broader field of software engineering exemplify this intricate relationship. Her remarkable ability to craft critical code manually, without the aid of modern tools, underscores the fundamental principles of design thinking in software development. This highlights the paramount importance of intertwining technical proficiency with human-centric design considerations to create impactful and user-friendly software solutions.

Assignment 6 (Week 8a) Reading Reflection

Margaret Hamilton’s narrative is more than just a historical anecdote; it’s a demonstration of the strength of fortitude, cunning, and vision in the face of personal and professional obstacles. Hamilton’s path covers a substantial progression in both her personal life and the area of technology itself. She started out as a young mathematician supporting her husband’s career and ended up being a trailblazing software engineer whose work was essential in bringing people on the moon. In spite of the 1960s social conventions discouraging women from pursuing “high-powered technical work,” Hamilton’s commitment and enthusiasm enabled her to create the contemporary notion of software. This story is interesting because it shows how important software was to the Apollo missions and how it became an essential part of current engineering and technology.

On a personal level, Hamilton’s narrative is tremendously motivating, particularly for someone navigating the complexity of contemporary technology disciplines. It serves as a reminder that prejudice and borders are frequently merely social constructions that are ready to be destroyed by anyone with the guts to question them. Hamilton’s commitment and tenacity inspire me to persevere in the face of adversity and to recognize the worth of hard effort and creativity in my own life. Her ability to manage her responsibilities as a mother and a top engineer in a field that is dominated by men forces me to reevaluate my ideas of what is possible and to pursue greatness against social norms. Her narrative inspires me to follow my goals with utmost fervor and to help break down barriers in technology and other industries, much as Hamilton’s work on the Apollo software did.

The reading “Attractive Things Work Better” explores how important aesthetics are to a product’s usefulness and efficacy. It clarifies how emotional reactions and cognitive processes are connected, implying that appealing products are not only more user-friendly but also have the potential to improve problem-solving and complicated task navigation skills. This idea contests the traditional division between form and function, contending that the two are complementary rather than mutually exclusive. The story suggests that aesthetics have a big impact on usability, transforming boring jobs into delightful experiences that boost productivity and efficiency.

This idea strongly connects with my personal experiences and observations. I’ve discovered how much aesthetics and design influence how I engage with and am satisfied with commonplace items and digital interfaces. For example, a smartphone’s slim form and user-friendly interface not only enhance its visual appeal but also revolutionize its usability by rendering complicated tasks seeming easier and more approachable. I have always thought about this as a child, where all these tasks we do using our smart devices seem so helpful and easy. As I think about this, I see how important it is to include aesthetic elements in my own efforts. The reading’s guiding ideas inspire me to think about how aesthetics and utility may work together to provide more satisfying and productive experiences, whether I’m developing a website, creating a presentation, or even just setting up my workstation.

Week 8A Reading Response – Jihad Jammal

Jihad Jammal

Intro to IM

Professor Aaron Sherwood

Reading Reflection Week 8A

March. 26, 2024

 

Response #1: Her Code Got Humans on the Moon

The essence of innovation, as illustrated by Margaret Hamilton’s story, pushes us to reconsider our perception of technological achievements. Hamilton’s legacy embodies the reality that groundbreaking advancements are often the culmination of relentless, behind-the-scenes effort rather than just celebrated moments of success. Her contributions, critical yet initially overshadowed by the astronauts’ lunar feats, prompt a deeper reflection on how we recognize and value the architects of progress. This perspective challenges the prevailing narrative that often glorifies the end result while glossing over the intricate processes and individuals essential to these achievements.

 

This narrative invites us to search for the ‘Margaret Hamiltons’ of our current era, whose pivotal work may be lurking in the shadows, unrecognized due to prevailing biases or the allure of more sensational accomplishments. It raises pertinent questions about the criteria we use to evaluate and celebrate innovation. Are we too focused on the visible peaks of success, neglecting the vast contributions that form the foundation of these achievements? The persistent gender gap in technology further complicates this discourse, suggesting that the undervaluing of foundational work might not just be a matter of oversight but also of systemic undervaluation of contributions from diverse voices. Hamilton’s story, therefore, not only highlights the need for a broader appreciation of the many facets of innovation but also calls for a more inclusive recognition of who gets to be celebrated as innovators.

 

 

Response #2: Attractive things work better

It’s clear that there’s a deep relationship between how things are designed and how we feel about them. The idea that well-made objects have the power to arouse happy emotions raises the possibility that great design is about more than just functionality—it’s also about appealing to our sense of beauty and wellbeing. My viewpoint has been expanded by this investigation into design philosophy, which shows that good design is more than just functional—it also has an emotional component that improves our day-to-day existence. It offers a vision for the direction of design, one that seeks to improve our lives by skillfully fusing beauty and functionality rather than just satisfying the most fundamental functional needs. This growing knowledge highlights the transformative potential of design, emphasizing its ability to improve the quality of our daily interactions by carefully balancing form and function in addition to solving practical issues.

 

Citations:

Norman, D. (2002). Emotion & Design: Attractive Things Work Better. Interactions Magazine, 9, 36–42. https://doi.org/10.1145/543434.543435

McMillan, R. (n.d.). Her Code Got Humans on the Moon—And Invented Software Itself. Wired. Retrieved March 26, 2024, from https://www.wired.com/2015/10/margaret-hamilton-nasa-apollo/

Reading Reflection – Week 8a

“Design matters, but which design is preferable depends upon the occasion, the context, and above all, upon my mood” (page 2). We can see that Norman starts off by giving us a warning that design is subjective especially when relying on mood. With that, I believe that mood is such an important component in design…is it designed for an emergency situation where everyone is panicking (push/pull door example) or is designed to impress your guests in a calm environment (teapot example)? Designers must consider such aspects when considering usability because “the principles of good human-centered design are especially important in stressful situations” (page 6). The author further discusses color and how color was fulfilling some need, but one we could not measure…he further adds, “Although my reasoning told me that color was unimportant, my emotional reaction told me otherwise” (page 3). This proves that when it comes to design, there shouldn’t be solid reasoning like you would see in Mathematics or the Sciences. The essence of design is intuition, emotions, and ultimately pleasure in completing tasks or perhaps user-feedback. 

At some point during the reading, I believed that attractive things don’t work better; I disagreed with the author if attractive meant minimal, an example would be the Tesla vehicles. When Tesla made their cars too simple (almost no user feedback), it caused confusion & accidents, which shows how minimalism can sometimes make things chaotic. That’s what I initially believed, but upon page 7, I came to terms with the author where he says “to be truly beautiful, wondrous, and pleasurable, the product has to fulfill a useful function, work well, and be usable and understandable.” The author follows and says that good design means that beauty and usability are in balance. That’s where I came to agreement that attractive things work better if and only if beauty does not surpass usability. Unfortunately, not every designer believes that, such that they minimize too much in attempts to make things more modern/appealing, but doing this can make the things harder to use (usability) and understand (intuitive design).

Finally, this brings me to Margaret Hamilton. While reading about her experiences, I couldn’t help but draw parallels to modern design practices and the ongoing designs inspired by minimalism. Hamilton’s role in developing the Apollo computer system proves the importance of prioritizing functionality & reliability over aesthetics, especially in high-stakes environments. In this case, I might agree that beauty and usability mustn’t always be in balance; sometimes, usability can surpass beauty for the sake of safety. In today’s world, minimalist designs often dominate, and Hamilton’s story reminded me of the potential consequences of overlooking usability and prioritizing “the balance” as Norman defined it. With that, I wonder, would Norman still believe that we must balance beauty and usability, or would he make an exception, considering high-stakes environments like the Apollo program?

Week 8a: Reading Response

RESPONSE: Her Code Got Humans on the Moon—And Invented Software Itself

It is indeed reassuring to read about Hamilton’s journey and her crucial part in a momentous occasion in human history when one considers the strength of perseverance and innovation. It also draws attention to the structural obstacles that women in STEM areas have encountered and still face. This was even highlighted in the article, “It was 1960, not a time when women were encouraged to seek out high-powered technical work.” This article reminded me of the contributions of women to the first computer Electronic Numerical Integrator and Computer, ENIAC.

In the case of the ENIAC, it was programmed by six women: Kay McNulty, Betty Jennings, Betty Snyder, Marlyn Meltzer, Fran Bilas, and Ruth Lichterman. These women were integral to the operation and programming of the ENIAC, performing complex calculations and programming tasks that were critical to the computer’s success. Women’s entry into the industry was perceived as a means of freeing up males for more “skilled” work, as the field was not considered prestigious. Despite their essential roles and substantial technical accomplishments, their contributions were not widely recognized during their lifetimes, and the narrative of computing history often sidelined their efforts.

Question: What mechanisms are present today that either hinder or promote diversity and inclusion in tech and engineering?

RESPONSE: Emotion & Design: Attractive things work better

The theme that I could connect with was “the pleasure of use. As someone deeply invested in the intersection of design and user experience, I’ve always been captivated by products that deliver not just functionality but also the pleasure of use. Take, for example, the tactile feedback of a high-quality mechanical keyboard. Each keystroke produces a satisfying click, transforming the mundane task of typing into an enjoyable experience. It’s not just about the act of typing; it’s about how the device makes me feel while I’m using it.

“true beauty in product design is multi-dimensional, integrating functionality, ease of use, and pleasure”

Question: How can designers balance usability and aesthetics in product design, ensuring that neither aspect is compromised?

Week 8a Reading Response – Hamdah AlSuwaidi

Norman’s article illuminates the complex interplay between attractiveness and usability in design, suggesting that emotional responses to design can greatly influence how users interact with and perceive functionality. This understanding dovetails with Hamilton’s story, as her work in programming not only required an astute technical foundation but also a profound understanding of the user experience—astronauts, in this case—where the emotional stakes were life-and-death rather than mere convenience or pleasure.

Both Norman and Hamilton disrupt conventional narratives in their fields. Norman challenges the notion that design’s utility is purely functional and devoid of emotional consideration. Similarly, Hamilton shatters the glass ceiling, showcasing that women, often relegated to supportive roles during the 1960s, were capable of leading and innovating in technology and engineering, changing the trajectory of history.

The meticulousness in Hamilton’s programming, her foresight in anticipating potential software errors, and her commitment to creating reliable and user-centric software systems reflect the synthesis of form and function that Norman advocates. Hamilton’s designs needed to be not only functional but also to inspire confidence and evoke a sense of security for the astronauts—emotional impacts that were critical to the success of the Apollo missions.

Norman posits that design should elicit positive emotions, which enhance creative thinking and problem-solving capabilities. Hamilton’s work embodies this ethos, where the software she created required imaginative solutions that had to consider the astronauts’ interactions with the technology. Her work went beyond mere function—it was critical in crafting a human-centric experience under extraordinary circumstances.

Margaret Hamilton’s career, while ostensibly in the realm of software engineering, was also deeply entwined with design principles. Her software had to be user-friendly and intuitive for the astronauts, a requirement that predated but is consistent with Norman’s advocacy for designs that account for human emotions. The alignment between Norman’s theoretical framework and Hamilton’s practical application underscores the importance of design thinking in technological innovation.

In essence, Norman’s essay and Hamilton’s narrative converge on a fundamental principle: whether in the form of a teapot or lunar software, good design respects the user’s emotional experience and cognitive processes. Both stories celebrate the potential of human ingenuity when it is applied with empathy and consideration for the user experience.

Through their respective lenses, Norman and Hamilton illuminate the intricacies of human interaction with technology. Norman does so by dissecting the role of emotion in design, while Hamilton does so by pioneering software that supported one of humanity’s most emotionally resonant achievements. Both exemplify how the integration of form, function, and feeling can result in extraordinary usability and transformative experiences.

The reading of these two narratives, interwoven, culminates in an appreciation for the nuanced role that emotion and human-centric design play in the advancement and acceptance of technology. They advocate for a vision where technology and design do not merely serve human needs but also enrich the human spirit, a vision as expansive and hopeful as space itself.

Week 8a Reading Reflection

This Week’s reading focused on the importance of aesthetics and presented the idea that aesthetics , along with utility are both equally important . Don Norman’s example of the three teapots is pretty interesting and illustrates the idea of how personal preferences depends on mood . 

The idea of ‘affect’ that Norman discusses was something new to me . He talks about positive and negative ‘affect’ and how each of these can be useful depending on the situation . From a design perspective, it makes sense to make designs with high utility if the intended use is in highly-stressful situations . On the other hand, if the intended use is in a more relaxed environment, giving weight to aesthetics can have a highly positive impact on the user. 

I was thinking about the question of what is more important ? Usability or beauty . After this reading , I think the answer is that it depends from situation to situation and as designers , it is our responsibility to think about what exactly should we emphasize. 

The article ‘Her Code Got Humans On The Moon’ taught me the importance of looking at and dealing with edge cases even if they might be trivial . Despite Margaret Hamilton’s seniors telling her that : 

“(We had been told many times that) astronauts would not make any mistakes,” (she says.) “They were trained to be perfect.”

She still added notes to the code which turned out to be very useful when an astronaut did indeed make a mistake . 

Both these articles gave me 2 important lessons that I wish to keep in mind when designing something in the future – 

1) Both Usability and Aesthetic are broadly speaking ,equally important , however , their importance also depends on their specific use cases that must be considered . 

2) It is always useful to look at edge cases and prevent unintended errors – even if they are unlikely to occur. 

 

 

Week 8a Reading – Khalifa AlShamsi

Hamilton’s journey and the obstacles she faced, especially in an era when the field of software engineering was in its infancy (and dominated by men), is both inspiring and enlightening. The concept of “software” as crucial to the Apollo missions’ success was not just innovative; it was revolutionary. Her approach to creating error-preventing code that could literally handle unknowns in real-time was not only ahead of its time but also a critical factor in the success of landing humans on the moon and safely bringing them back to Earth.

One of the most eye-opening aspects of Hamilton’s story is the realization that the meticulous, problem-solving mindset required for such a monumental task came from someone who was largely self-taught in the field. It challenges the conventional wisdom about the pathways to innovation and highlights the importance of determination, intellectual curiosity, and the courage to venture into uncharted territories.

On the other hand while exploring Don Norman’s insights on the principle that “attractive things work better” has profoundly shifted my perspective on the aesthetics and functionality of objects around me. It’s a revelation to understand that the visual appeal of an object isn’t just about its looks but significantly influences its usability and, by extension, our efficiency and mood. This concept throws light on the many moments of interaction with tools and environments that are supposed to aid in learning and productivity but sometimes end up doing the opposite.

Norman’s discussion on how aesthetics can enhance functionality resonates deeply. It’s not merely about making objects or interfaces pleasing to the eye but about enhancing their effectiveness through design. This insight challenges the often-held belief that beauty and utility stand at odds, underscoring instead that they can, and ideally should, complement each other. This strikes a chord, considering the countless times I’ve grappled with study tools or campus interfaces that are functional but uninspiring or, worse, visually appealing but confusing to navigate.

The realization that our emotional response to an object’s design can significantly impact our engagement and performance illuminates the everyday design choices surrounding us. Norman’s argument has sparked a newfound curiosity in me to scrutinize the tools and spaces I interact with daily, from the elegance of a well-crafted note-taking app to the practical layout of a student lounge. It emphasizes the rarity of experiencing truly harmonious design, where form and function are in perfect alignment, enhancing both usability and delight.

This exploration of the intersection between aesthetic appeal and functional design has not only heightened my awareness of the design choices that shape our everyday experiences but also instilled an appreciation for thoughtfully designed objects and environments. It underscores the potential for design to transform mundane interactions into moments of joy and efficiency, urging a more critical and appreciative lens towards the designed world around us.

Week 8a: Reading Response

-Attractive Things Work Better 

In reflecting on the article “Attractive Things Work Better,” I have been intrigued by the intersection of aesthetics and usability in design and how it shapes our cognitive and emotional experiences. The piece profoundly highlights the influence of affect on cognition. It introduces the idea that positive affect, obtained by attractive, aesthetically pleasing design, can enhance creativity and flexibility in problem-solving, whereas negative affect can lead to a narrower scope of thought, suited for depth-first processing and focused tasks.

The article discusses three distinct teapots, each illustrating a different aspect of design. The teapot designed by Jacques Carelman, which is intentionally unusable, serves as a humorous critique of the functionality of everyday objects. Michael Graves’ teapot, while more practical, still places emphasis on aesthetic appeal. And then there is the Nanna teapot, which may not be conventionally beautiful but offers an intuitive design that caters to the brewing process and enhances the tea-drinking experience.

These examples lead to an essential realization: while usability is crucial, especially in high-stress situations where focus and efficiency are important, attractive design has its own merits. In more relaxed or positive situations, an attractive appearance can actually improve usability by making individuals more tolerant of minor inconveniences. This does not, however, diminish the importance of usability, rather, it suggests that usability and aesthetics are not mutually exclusive.

The argument extends beyond teapots to technology, like color monitors, which were initially dismissed as unnecessary but now are standard due to their positive affect. Norman’s earlier work, which seemed to prioritize usability at the expense of aesthetics, is now understood in a more nuanced light. Affect and design are not separate entities but are interwoven, influencing how we interact with and feel about the tools and objects in our lives.

In conclusion, as a student with keen interest in design, this has reshaped my understanding that to enhance the quality of life through design, we must integrate usability with desirability, ensuring that products not only serve their purpose efficiently but also bring joy and satisfaction through their aesthetic appeal. 

-Her Code Got Humans on the Moon

Margaret Hamilton’s story is a profound reminder of the immense impact one individual can have on technology and history. As a young mathematician working at MIT in the 1960s, she was pivotal in developing the onboard flight software for the Apollo missions, which ultimately enabled humans to land on the moon.

It’s striking to consider that she did this in an era when software engineering was not even recognized as a discipline. Her foresight to advocate for rigorous error-checking in the software, despite skepticism from her peers, was crucial, particularly evident during the Apollo 8 mission when an astronaut’s mistake could have been catastrophic without her code.

Her contributions went beyond the Apollo program, they laid the groundwork for modern software development. Her story is not just about technical brilliance but also about breaking barriers and defying expectations, which is especially meaningful in the continuous fight for gender equality in STEM fields. Her legacy inspires me to approach problems with determination and a forward-thinking mindset.

Reading Reflection – Week #8a by Marcos Hernández

This week’s readings have been interesting to read. Many times the concepts of usability and beauty come into play when people make their purchases, be it the new iPhone, a new mechanical keyboard with many RGB options, or just a shirt that has a rather unconventional design. Although, this is where we enter into this curious realm (at least for me) of the real effectiveness of these products.

Let’s give a scenario: would you rather have a phone that is internally more powerful but with an old design, or have a more modern one whose design is more updated, although performance-wise it is slower? Both are going to have their software outdated at the same time; therefore, what would one person pick? If the person is inexperienced with technology, this performance difference is not notorious, but those who do gaming on phones might apply a different lens to it. Not only does beauty transmit different feelings, but it also offers different ways to use and interpret it. For example, if I am going through a software error, I prefer that the system outputs the information about the error with detailed logs (in minimalistic fashion) as they are rather than just show a blue screen with a rather, obscure error. The first is generally related to settings where people are expected to be more technologically literate, but the latter is displayed more simplistically and is easy to associate with a system crash for most people; the only downside is that the technician might spend a bit more time understanding what is exactly happening. As Norman suggests, the system has to be prepared for unlikely scenarios, as seen in Hamilton’s case right around Christmas in 1968, where some astronauts accidentally used a function accidentally, but there were functions to mitigate it.

Obviously, even for myself, I would prefer something that is appealing to both my eyes and easy to understand. This is due to personal experiences and the fact that I see a certain beauty in seeing lots of logs of reports without feeling afraid. It is very difficult for me to choose eye candy over functionality, since my lens is a more technical one.