When reading Norman’s “Emotion & Design: Attractive Things Work Better,” it got me thinking differently about how emotions affect the way we interact with design. Before this, I mostly thought good design just meant something that works well and is easy and intuitive to use. But Norman made me realise that how we feel when using something really matters too. I found his idea of positive affect interesting – when we’re in a good mood, we become more creative and open to solving problems. I’ve noticed this myself when I’m working on projects; if I’m relaxed and enjoying the process, I tend to come up with better ideas and find solutions more easily.
What also stood out to me was Norman’s explanation of negative affect – how stress or anxiety can actually help us focus. I totally agree with that because whenever I’m taking an exam or working under pressure, that little bit of nervous energy pushes me to concentrate harder and think faster.
Overall, this reading changed how I see both design and emotion. Emotions don’t just influence how we feel about something – they shape how we use it. Some designs are made to make us feel good – to relax us, inspire creativity, or make things enjoyable. Others use a bit of tension or urgency, like alarms or deadlines in digital design, to grab our attention and help us focus. It’s interesting to realise that designers often plan for these emotions on purpose. Good design isn’t just about working well; it’s about understanding how people feel.