What’s something (not mentioned in the reading) that drives you crazy and how could it be improved?
One everyday design failure that drives me crazy is poorly designed TV remotes. Many remotes today have an overwhelming number of buttons with unclear labels, making simple tasks like changing the volume or input source frustrating. This problem could be improved by applying Don Norman’s principles of discoverability and mapping. For example, remotes should group related buttons more logically and use tactile or color-coded signifiers to indicate key functions. A minimalistic design, similar to Apple’s Siri Remote, which relies on fewer buttons and intuitive gestures, would make the experience much more user-friendly.
How can you apply some of the author’s principles of design to interactive media?
Interactive media, such as mobile apps and websites, can greatly benefit from Norman’s principles of affordances and signifiers. For instance, buttons in an app should clearly indicate their function through visual cues like color, shape, or animations when hovered over. Poor feedback, such as a lack of confirmation when submitting a form, can leave users confused about whether their action was successful. Applying clear feedback mechanisms, like progress indicators or subtle vibrations for mobile interactions, would improve usability and user satisfaction, making digital experiences more intuitive and engaging.