I&M Reading
Reading this chapter made me really think how I would interact with everyday objects in a very personal way. As I used to assume that if I struggled with something simple such as a confusing door, a complicated appliance, or a strange interface I now think it was my own fault. The reading argues that these frustrations usually come from poor design, not user incompetence, which felt astonishing and an eye opener. The examples about doors and household devices made the ideas feel very realistic, because they reflect small annoyances we experience almost daily without questioning them. It made me realize how much of my behavior is lead by intuitive signals from objects, and how frustrating it becomes when those signals are kind of unclear or misleading. What drives me crazy is when everyday interfaces have too many unclear buttons, hidden functions, which could be improved by using clearer signifiers, simpler layouts, and immediate feedback so users do not have to guess what to do.
What I found especially meaningful is the emphasis on human-centered design and the idea that designers should adapt to human psychology, not expect humans to adapt to machines. This perspective feels very relevant in today’s technology-heavy world, where many products are powerful but not intuitive. The discussion about discoverability, signifiers, and feedback made me more aware that good design should communicate naturally without needing long instructions. Overall, I think the reading is insightful because it shifts the way we see mistakes as instead of blaming users for the confusion, it encourages us to critically evaluate the design itself, which feels like a more human and realistic approach to technology and everyday life.