Norman, “Emotion & Design : Attractive things work better”
Norman’s insights on the emotional dimensions of design made me think deep about what makes a product truly effective. I have always seen objects for their functionality since that is the main goal. I have not really paid attention to the aesthetics of my daily used objects until I read Norman’s work. His argument on aesthetics and its impact on usability is an eye-opener as it made me realise how certain designs evoke positive emotions. I realised that I often use some products, such as apple products which I love because of their minimalist design, not just for their practical value but because the give me a sense of satisfaction. It is fascinating how just the design makes me tolerate the flaws of the products I use. His idea made me appreciate the fact that design is not just about problem solving but also about enhancing the experience surrounding the solution.
His discussion of the teapots made me question the boundary that I place between useful and beautiful. His examples made me recount if I have ever been affected emotionally by the type of mugs that I use to take my coffee. I figured out that the simplicity and beauty of my favourite mug contributed to my morning routine calmness which I never acknowledged till I read this article. Norman’s ideas have encouraged me to look at design in a different way by understanding that emotional engagement is important to how one experiences and interacts with products
Her Code got Humans on the Moon
Margaret Hamilton’s story and achievements was inspiring. I admire how she was able to stand out and represent the role of women in technology in an era where women found it hard to have such opportunities. I have always been invested in the moon landing mission but I hadn’t gotten the chance to know and appreciate the hidden effort of people like Hamilton. This reading made me aware of how significant her legacy was in space exploration and also for the acceptance of women in STEM. Her story shows the importance of foresight and planning to handle errors. I am also inspired by how she was able to balance family and work.