In The Design of Everyday Things by Don Norman, the main argument is that usability issues stem from poor design rather than user error. This challenges the common assumption that people are to blame when they struggle with everyday objects. Come to think of it, well-designed objects should naturally guide users, minimizing confusion.
One example of poor design that was not mentioned in the reading but has always frustrated me are cable, especially USB ones. The traditional USB connector can only be inserted one way, yet there is rarely a clear indication of which side is correct. This often leads to flipping the plug multiple times before it fits. A simple signifier like a physical marker or a visible point, could solve this issue and make the interaction effortless.
Norman’s principles are also highly relevant to interactive media. Websites and apps often suffer from unclear navigation, hidden menus, or buttons that don’t look clickable. Applying affordances and signifiers like distinct buttons and clear labels would improve usability. Similarly, feedback is important as when users submit a form or click a link, they should receive a confirmation to avoid uncertainty.