Design Psychology

Author: Norman
Publisher:
Publication Date: 2003-10-01
Features: This is a thought-provoking book. Excellent design is a form of communication between designers and users, and users' needs should always be throughout the entire design process. But this does not mean that usability can override other factors. All great designs seek balance and harmony among artistic beauty, reliability, safety, usability, cost, and performance. You may have had similar experiences: looking at a beautifully luxurious door but not knowing how to open it; a modern-looking faucet that leaves you flustered; feeling frustrated because you can't use your home's sound system and feel left behind by the times. The awkwardness in front of others and the frustration behind them are actually not your fault at all! It's all the fault of the designers' lack of consideration—while we are taking the blame for them! Cognitive psychologist Donald A. Norman, in this book, uses a humorous style and in-depth analysis to elucidate the supreme design principles of human-centered design; it should make it clear to users how to operate, and it should let consumers enjoy the experience rather than suffer frustration. Norman points out that excellent design can play a crucial role in market competition by influencing consumer behavior. So, if you are a designer or a business owner, when conceptualizing a product, please imagine the users' feelings first before promoting aesthetic beauty, artistic style, and cost, and strive for usability in design, because this is the source of a product's vitality; and if you are a user, then shout for usability in design, so that more products can let us experience the joy of operation—we no longer need to be punished by design errors!