Don Norman: The Design of Everyday Things

Summary

In this interview at the UX Conference, Don Norman discusses the origins of his iconic book *The Design of Everyday Things*. He explains how his work in the 1980s focused on improving usability, especially for emerging technologies like personal computers, alongside his study of aviation safety. His frustration with everyday objects while on sabbatical in England inspired him to write the book, which highlights core principles like discoverability, feedback, affordance, and mapping. Norman reflects on the enduring relevance of the book's insights, especially how they apply to both simple and modern designs, and shares his surprise at the book's success and impact.

Takeaways

• 😀 Don Norman wrote 'The Design of Everyday Things' after struggling with everyday objects like doors, faucets, and light switches in England.
• 😀 The book focuses on improving the usability of everyday devices and systems, especially computers in the 1980s.
• 😀 Norman's research combined psychology, human factors, and ergonomics to make objects easier to use and safer.
• 😀 His experience with early home computers highlighted the need for better user interfaces, which inspired the book.
• 😀 The key principles discussed in the book include discoverability, feedback, affordance, mapping, constraints, and conceptual models.
• 😀 These principles are timeless and apply to a wide range of devices beyond computers, such as doors and faucets.
• 😀 Norman specifically avoided focusing on computers in the book, allowing its relevance to remain across time and technological changes.
• 😀 The concepts in the book have helped shape the field of UX design and are still widely used today in creating user-friendly products.
• 😀 Norman was surprised and pleased by the book's ongoing success and the positive impact it has had on readers.
• 😀 The book’s lasting popularity is attributed to its focus on fundamental design principles rather than specific technologies or trends.

Q & A

Why did Don Norman write 'The Design of Everyday Things'?

Don Norman wrote the book after realizing the difficulties people had with everyday objects, such as doors, faucets, and light switches. His frustration with these design issues, combined with his work in psychology, human factors, and aviation safety, led him to write 'The Psychology of Everyday Things,' later renamed 'The Design of Everyday Things.'

What motivated Don Norman's interest in improving design for usability?

Norman's motivation came from his work in computer systems, where he sought to improve their usability. In the late 1980s, home computers were emerging and were difficult to use. He also had a background in studying aviation safety, which influenced his approach to improving design for better user experience.

How did Norman's time in England influence his thinking on design?

During his sabbatical in England, Norman faced challenges with everyday objects, such as not being able to operate doors, faucets, and light switches. This experience, combined with his frustration, led him to write the book, focusing on how poorly designed objects can hinder user interaction.

What are some key principles discussed in 'The Design of Everyday Things'?

The book discusses several key principles of design, including discoverability, feedback, affordance, mapping, constraints, and conceptual models. These principles are fundamental to creating user-friendly products and apply to a wide range of everyday objects.

Why has 'The Design of Everyday Things' remained popular over the years?

The book remains popular because the fundamental principles it discusses are timeless. By focusing on universal design principles like affordance and mapping, rather than specific technology like computers, the book's ideas have continued to be relevant in various contexts, including the evolving field of computing.

How did Norman's background in aviation safety influence his approach to design?

Norman's background in aviation safety helped shape his approach to user-centered design. In aviation, safety is paramount, and he saw parallels between how users interact with complex systems in both aviation and consumer products, leading him to apply similar principles of usability to everyday objects.

Why did Norman choose not to focus on computers in his book?

Norman chose not to focus on computers because he wanted to discuss broader principles of design that could apply to any object, not just rapidly changing technologies. He believed that focusing on universally relevant objects like doors and faucets would make the book more enduring and applicable across different time periods.

What does Norman mean by 'affordance' in design?

Affordance refers to the properties of an object that suggest how it can be used. For example, a door handle suggests it should be pulled, while a push plate suggests it should be pushed. Good design makes these affordances clear to the user.

What role does feedback play in design, according to Norman?

Feedback in design is crucial because it informs the user about the outcome of their actions. For example, a light that turns on when a switch is flipped provides feedback that the action was successful. Without proper feedback, users may feel uncertain about whether their actions are correct.

What impact has 'The Design of Everyday Things' had on readers and professionals?

Many readers and professionals have reported that 'The Design of Everyday Things' has significantly changed the way they approach design. The book has influenced how people think about usability and user-centered design, and for many, it has had a lasting impact on their professional practices.