CHAPTER 1: The Psychopathology of Everyday Things
Summary
In this first chapter, the author sets the basis of his rationale for the necessity of good design. To make the point clear, he utilizes multiple examples from everyday interactions such as doors, projectors, and refrigerator systems. From these example, the fundamental design flaws are extracted and analyzed thoroughly. He also uses these examples to lay some of the recurring themes he will evoke throughout the book. The main ones are :
- the importance of conceptual modeling and design visibility
- the use of psychological principles and mapping schemes for intuitive usage of objects
- the importance of natural mapping and user feedback
Discussion
Eventhough the examples provided relate to pieces of equipment from close to twenty years ago, he sucessfully extracts the design flaws and lays the correct approach to making these objects more accessible to the average person. I have to admit, I was concerned the read was a bit outdated but I can see how this information can apply to today. The example given about phone made me recall the recent Iphone antenna problems. What is the use of a smarthphone if the most fundamental of features cannot be done: calling.
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