Book Reading #24 - Emotional Design

 Book Author: Donald Norman

Chapter 1: Attractive Things Work Better
Summary
In this first chapter, Norman discusses why attractive things are more efficient. Emotions help a person make decisions and when that person is happy, it increases thought processes and encourages creative thinking. He then goes on to explain how attractive design allows for a more enjoyable experience and helps people figure things out.

Norman also discusses the three levels of processing:

• visceral (the automatic layer),
•  behavioral (everyday behavior layer)
• reflective (contemplative layer).

He then discusses how the three levels interact with each other and how they relate to focus and creativity. 

 

Discussion

Having enjoyed Design of Everyday Things, I am curious to find out more about this book. I thought this chapter was a good introduction to the challenges a designer faces when considering the design from a kind of emotional point of view.