This reading made me realize just how imperative the ‘human’ aspect of things comes into play when it comes to interactive design. As I reflected on the chapter, I found myself connecting the concepts to my own experiences with technology and design.
The author’s emphasis on discoverability and understanding resonated with me deeply. I’ve often purchased products and I couldn’t figure out what to actually do or how it’s done without reading the instructions manual first. It made me appreciate the importance of intuitive design that communicates its functionality without requiring extensive instructions or manuals.
I found the writer’s descriptions of engineers and their thought process during production to be quite intriguing, as I had not thought of things that way before. The chapter delves into the failings of machines due to the way certain engineers think – logically. In terms of failings, I am referring to the I learned that they often assume that the audience of their product or project will think like them or read the instruction manual. This is where they fall short. I came to understand that they struggle to grasp the idea that we all think so uniquely, and therefore, designs need to be adapted into a language that can be universal yet enjoyable enough to use. Which made me understand that this failing bleeds into the actual production of the gadgets, hence why it is not received the way they hand in mind.
As I came to learn of these concepts, I found myself looking at the designed world around me with new eyes. I started noticing how certain designs naturally suggest their use, while others require explicit instructions. This awareness has changed how I interact with and evaluate the design of everyday objects and digital interfaces. For example, the doors in D2 are just abysmal. Although they have a sensor, where if you wave at it then it opens the doors – it doesn’t always work, and I actually have to manually open the door like a jester. Although I am unsure if this fault is due to some technical thing, or a lapse in judgment, it is a problem that has existed since freshman year.
This new perspective isn’t just changing how I look at things; it’s changing how I create them too. Whether I’m putting together a presentation or organizing my workspace, I’m now thinking about how to make things clear and intuitive for others. It’s like I’ve been given a new set of glasses to see the world of design through.