Emotion & Design: Attractive things work better
I found Norman’s reading quite interesting, especially his argument that emotions affect how well we use objects. From the previous readings we have done in this class, I just assumed good design was mainly about functionality and usability. I also thought that even if the object is not as aesthetically pleasing, if it works well, then everyone would use it. I did not realize how much emotional appeal plays a role in the design. Norman claims that attractive designs can actually improve how people think and solve problems. When people feel positive emotions, they are more flexible, while negative emotions make people more focused but also more stressed. This made me realize that design is not only about making something work well with clear directions, but also about how it makes people feel while using it.
I liked the example of the three teapots. Each of the teapots emphasized something different. Even though one of them is harder to use, he still keeps it because he enjoys how it looks. This made me understand that objects can have an emotional value. I started thinking about how many objects I own for the same reasons. I sometimes choose things because they look nice or match my mood, even if they are not the most practical option.
This reading also made me realize how much of the visual design, like the color and layout, might help determine how people interact with it, beyond just making it usable. The reading definitely changed how I think about design by showing that usability and aesthetics should be combined, especially to have that emotional appeal. But I wonder if something can ever be too beautiful, can an object’s attractiveness ever get in the way of its function?
Her Code Got Humans On The Moon — And Invented Software Itself
The reading about Margaret Hamilton’s work really inspired me. The fact that the concept of software did not even exist when she started working on the Apollo missions is crazy. I never thought about how much space travel depended on programming. It made me realize how much courage and creativity it must have taken to build something new, especially in a male-dominated environment and time, while even being a mother. Not only did she lead her team successfully, but she also fought to have her ideas heard, even when people initially dismissed her concerns.
I was amazed by the story of the Apollo 11 landing, where the computer started giving error messages. But because Hamilton designed it to prioritize the most important tasks, the module still landed safely. She showed how important it is to anticipate problems before they even happen.
This reading made me reflect on how many of the innovations we have today have been taken for granted and built by people who fought the system in their time. It also makes me wonder how many people today contribute to so much work but stay unrecognized, or their credit is handed over to someone else. Hamilton’s story shows the importance of visibility and persistence in tech and in life, something that we should all take note of.