Book Reading #8: Design of Everyday Things



Book Author: Donald A. Norman

CHAPTER 3: Knowledge in the Head and in the World

Summary
In this chapter, Norman discusses the topic of knowledge. Human nature can be faulty , in particular when it comes to memory. Norman gives the example of Jonathan Grudin's demo on typists' apparent lack of knowledge of keyboard keys when asked to replace them on a type machine. Some of our actions can show precision in behaviour, while in fact we are basing ourselves on imprecise knowledge. Not all
knowledge required for precise behavior has to stem from our head. Norman describes three ways in which we acquire knowledge. The first is through information in the world. When that is available, the need for learning diminishes. The second is that people remember a small amount of details in order to perform tasks. Finally, we learn how to do things because of the natural constraints that exist.
After this, Norman goes on to describe the difference between declarative knowledge, and procedural knowledge, then delves into the structure of memory. Humans essentially have short term memory and long term memory structures. The types of memory people acquire can be catergorized under:

• memory for arbitrary things 
• memory for meaningful relationships
• mememory through explanation

People need mental models in order to later derive the details of a behavior when needed.
This is why designers should provide users with appropriate models so as to avoid the user making one up in his/her mind.

Norman also talks about ways to lessen our burden when we need to remember things. One technique is putting the burden on the person we need to remind ourselves about, if that person needs us, or noting a reminder in a calendar.

Discussion

I liked the part of the chapter on reminders. It seems the author predicted the advent of PDA, and electronic organizers.