This reading by Don Norman focuses on the concept of aesthetics influencing an objects’ useability. Norman argues that aesthetic appeal can positively influence a person’s user experience. It can even help cover up minor errors and discrepancies in the objects’ useability. From “Coffee Pots for Masochists” to colourful TV screens, the beauty of everyday items can influence cognition and overcome minor misunderstandings. This reading made me think long and hard about all of the objects I use on a day-to-day basis, starting from the very iPad Pro I’m typing this blog post on, to the oversized cute coffee mug next to me. Is the mug very large; do I even need that much coffee? Probably not. But is the mug very pretty to look at; does it fit my aesthetics perfectly? Oh yes. Norman talks about the colourful TV screens, how colour was merely a thing of beauty in the already perfectly functional screens. This made me think of how we, as students, always design powerpoint presentations, or any sort of display. While the text to get the point across is visibly apparent, we also focus on the aesthetics and how appealing it is to our audience. However, too much “beautifying” can take away from the display’s message; and too little can’t capture the attention of our audience. The fine line between beauty and functionality is exactly what Norman proposes we depend on for the perfect formula in creating cool things.