I began my reading with the piece about Margaret Hamilton, feeling a strong curiosity to learn more about her. It resonated deeply when she mentioned being “one of the guys,” as it reminded me of how, in many cultures, there is a stereotype that only men excel in mathematics, coding, and engineering. When a woman shows talent in these fields, it is often seen as “unusual.” Her story was truly inspiring, highlighting not only her achievements but also the consistency and persistence that made her a role model in engineering. Even though it’s not the first time I’ve encountered gender disparity in STEM, her approach to tackling “imposter syndrome”—which I believe many women in STEM have faced—was a particularly powerful lesson. It’s a reminder to everyone, regardless of gender, to stay focused on their goals and remain committed to what they want to achieve. Her story also brought to mind the movie *Hidden Figures*, which is a great watch for anyone interested in the experiences of women in STEM.
For the second reading, I’ve been brainstorming ideas related to cognitive science and human adaptability. This reading showed how design, when informed by cognitive science, can significantly impact our experiences. For instance, when I visit stores like Miniso, I often find myself drawn to items that are aesthetically pleasing and easy to use. Of course, the definition of “aesthetic” may vary from person to person; for me, it means a sleek, minimal design with soothing colors and user-friendly features. While aesthetic preferences differ, there must be some fundamental principles that apply to everyone. In this context, it’s important to explore the concept of affect and design to understand how we shape our environments and how these designs impact our daily lives. Striking a balance between beauty and usability is indeed the key factor in innovating effective designs and products.