In 'The Design of Everyday Things', Don Norman reveals the hidden principles behind effective design that shapes our everyday interactions. He explores the psychological underpinnings of how we perceive and interact with objects, highlighting the importance of usability and user-centered design. Through captivating examples, Norman illustrates how poor design can lead to frustration, while thoughtful design enhances our experience. This book challenges readers to rethink the functionality of everyday items, making them consider the design choices behind the objects they encounter. Ultimately, it invites us to demand better designs that cater to our needs, making the mundane extraordinary.
By Don Norman
Published: 2013
""Good design is not just about how things look; it’s about how they work and how they fit into our lives, making our daily interactions seamless and intuitive.""
Even the smartest among us can feel inept as we fail to figure out which light switch or oven burner to turn on, or whether to push, pull, or slide a door. The fault, argues this ingenious—even liberating—book, lies not in ourselves, but in product design that ignores the needs of users and the principles of cognitive psychology. The problems range from ambiguous and hidden controls to arbitrary relationships between controls and functions, coupled with a lack of feedback or other assistance and unreasonable demands on memorization. The Design of Everyday Things shows that good, usable design is possible. The rules are simple: make things visible, exploit natural relationships that couple function and control, and make intelligent use of constraints. The goal: guide the user effortlessly to the right action on the right control at the right time. In this entertaining and insightful analysis, cognitive scientist Don Norman hails excellence of design as the most important key to regaining the competitive edge in influencing consumer behavior. Now fully expanded and updated, with a new introduction by the author, The Design of Everyday Things is a powerful primer on how—and why—some products satisfy customers while others only frustrate them.
Showing 8 of 30 similar books
Jordan Hughes is a celebrated author known for their compelling narratives and richly developed characters. Their debut novel, "Echoes of Tomorrow," won the prestigious Man Booker Prize, marking a significant milestone in contemporary fiction. Hughes's work often explores themes of identity, resilience, and the human condition, earning them critical acclaim and a dedicated readership. In addition to their novels, Hughes has contributed thought-provoking essays to major literary journals, further solidifying their influence in the literary world. Their innovative storytelling continues to inspire and captivate audiences worldwide.
Julian Shapiro is a renowned writer and entrepreneur, acclaimed for his insightful essays on personal growth and marketing strategies. He is the author of "The Julian Shapiro Collection," a compilation of his most impactful writings that have garnered a wide readership online. Shapiro co-founded the growth marketing agency Bell Curve, where he has helped numerous startups achieve exponential growth. His work often blends practical advice with deep philosophical inquiries, making complex subjects accessible to a broad audience. Through his prolific writing and entrepreneurial ventures, Julian has become a key figure in the intersection of business and self-improvement literature.
Bret Victor is a renowned American interface designer and computer scientist celebrated for his innovative contributions to interactive design and human-computer interaction. He is best known for creating dynamic, explorable explanations, which have significantly influenced the way educational content is presented and understood. Victor's seminal work, "Inventing on Principle," advocates for the integration of immediate feedback in creative processes, inspiring a new wave of interactive programming environments. As a former member of the Apple Human Interface team, he played a pivotal role in shaping modern user interfaces. Through his organization, Dynamicland, Victor continues to explore and expand the boundaries of immersive, collaborative computing environments.
George Hatzis is a lawyer, entrepreneur, and social media content creator known for his humorous and insightful takes on the legal profession. Through his popular Instagram account, Hatzis shares legal memes, advice, and commentary, making complex legal topics accessible and entertaining for a broad audience. He is also the founder of Hatzis Law, a firm that specializes in criminal defense and family law. Hatzis’ ability to merge legal expertise with humor has garnered him a large following, and he continues to be a unique voice in the legal community, advocating for modernizing the industry.
Caterina Fake is an American entrepreneur and investor, best known for co-founding Flickr, one of the first photo-sharing platforms that helped define social media and web 2.0. After the success of Flickr, Fake went on to co-found Hunch, a recommendation engine that was later acquired by eBay. She is a partner at Yes VC, a venture capital firm that invests in early-stage startups, with a focus on companies that foster human connection and creativity. Fake is also an advocate for ethical technology and often speaks about the importance of designing products that prioritize user well-being. Her contributions to tech and her insights on the intersection of technology and culture have made her a respected leader in the industry.
Coleen Baik is an American designer, artist, and entrepreneur, known for her work in the tech industry, including as a founding team member of Twitter. Baik played a key role in shaping the user experience and design of Twitter in its early days, contributing to its iconic interface. She is also the founder of Baik Art, a multidisciplinary art studio that blends technology and visual art. Baik is passionate about using design to create meaningful and user-centered digital experiences, and she frequently speaks on topics related to innovation, design, and creativity. Her work has made her a prominent figure in the intersection of tech and design.
Dr. Harvey Karp is a renowned pediatrician and child development expert, best known for his groundbreaking method for calming infants, as detailed in The Happiest Baby on the Block. He is the creator of the SNOO Smart Sleeper, a robotic crib designed to help babies sleep safely and soundly. Dr. Karp has been a leading voice in pediatric health for decades, emphasizing the importance of sleep for both babies and parents. His methods have revolutionized infant care and parenting techniques. He continues to advocate for improved early childhood development practices.
Andrew Chen is a venture capitalist, entrepreneur, and thought leader in growth marketing, currently serving as a general partner at Andreessen Horowitz. Chen is known for his expertise in network effects, viral growth strategies, and marketplace dynamics, making him a sought-after advisor for startups looking to scale. Prior to joining Andreessen Horowitz, he worked in leadership roles at Uber, helping to grow the ride-sharing platform’s user base and develop key growth strategies. Chen is also a prolific writer, sharing his insights on growth, technology, and startups through his popular blog and newsletter, which has attracted a loyal following in the tech community. His work has helped shape how many startups approach user acquisition, retention, and product-market fit. As a venture capitalist, Chen focuses on early-stage companies in the consumer internet, SaaS, and marketplace sectors, and he has been involved in funding and advising several successful startups. His insights on technology and growth continue to influence both founders and investors alike.
Showing 8 of 20 related collections
“"Good design is not just about how things look; it’s about how they work and how they fit into our lives, making our daily interactions seamless and intuitive."”
The Design of Everyday Things
By Don Norman
Discover a world of knowledge through our extensive collection of book summaries.
Don Norman is a prominent author and design advocate, best known for his influential works in the field of design and usability. His notable books include 'The Design of Everyday Things,' which explores the principles of good design and how it impacts our daily lives, and 'Emotional Design,' which highlights the importance of aesthetics and emotions in user experience. Norman's writing style is characterized by clarity and accessibility, making complex concepts understandable to a broad audience. He combines insights from cognitive science with practical design advice, establishing himself as a thought leader in human-centered design.
Key information about the book.
Support local bookstores: BookShop gives a portion of each sale to independent bookshops!
In 'Addiction by Design', Natasha Dow Schüll explores the fascinating intersection of technology, gambling, and human psychology. She reveals how modern gaming machines are meticulously engineered to foster addictive behaviors, drawing players into a relentless cycle of engagement. Through immersive narratives and compelling case studies, Schüll raises critical questions about free will and the seductive nature of design in our digital age. This thought-provoking investigation challenges readers to consider the impact of technology on their lives and society at large. Dive into this eye-opening journey to understand the dark artistry behind the designs that capture us.
In 'Identity Designed,' David Airey takes readers on a captivating journey through the art and science of branding. This visually stunning book showcases a rich collection of global identities, revealing the strategies behind their creation. Airey delves into the psychological impact of design, urging readers to think deeply about how branding shapes perceptions. With insightful case studies and expert commentary, it sparks curiosity about the essence of identity in modern culture. Perfect for designers and entrepreneurs alike, this book invites you to explore the power of visual storytelling in building a brand.
Dive into the art and science of typography with 'Designing with Type, 5th Edition'. This essential guide unravels the intricacies of typefaces, spacing, and layout, empowering designers to elevate their work. Through a rich blend of practical insights and illustrative examples, Craig and Scala reveal how type influences design perception. Whether you’re a novice or a seasoned professional, this book opens your eyes to the transformative power of typography. Discover how to shape your visual communication and captivate your audience with every word.
In 'Don't Make Me Think, Revisited', Steve Krug presents a timeless guide to web usability, challenging the notion that users read websites thoroughly. With humor and clarity, he emphasizes the importance of intuitive design, advocating that simplicity trumps complexity. Krug's insights encourage designers to prioritize user experience, making navigation as effortless as possible. Through practical examples and actionable advice, he unveils common pitfalls to avoid. This essential read will transform the way you think about designing websites and engaging users—are you ready to rethink your approach?
In '100 Things Every Designer Needs to Know about People,' Susan Weinschenk unveils essential psychological principles that can enhance design effectiveness. With insights drawn from cognitive science, the book explores how people perceive, interact with, and make decisions about design. From the nuances of color perception to the importance of empathy in user experience, Weinschenk offers practical strategies for designers. Each principle is supported by fascinating research, making the content both informative and engaging. This enlightening guide equips designers to create more intuitive and user-friendly experiences, sparking curiosity about the intersection of psychology and design.
In 'The Art of Game Design,' Jesse Schell unravels the captivating world of game development, blending theory and practical insights. He presents a unique perspective that gaming is not just a skill but an art form, exploring what truly makes games immersive and memorable. With a combination of engaging anecdotes and hands-on exercises, Schell invites readers to think like designers and embrace creativity. The book serves as a comprehensive guide, making it an essential read for aspiring game creators and enthusiasts alike. Dive into the playful intricacies of design and discover the secrets that could inspire your next game masterpiece!
In 'Presentation Zen', Garr Reynolds revolutionizes the art of presentations by emphasizing simplicity, clarity, and visual storytelling. He challenges traditional PowerPoint norms by advocating for a design philosophy that captivates audiences and enhances understanding. Through compelling examples and practical techniques, Reynolds guides readers to craft impactful narratives that resonate and inspire. This book isn't just about slides; it's about communicating ideas effectively in a noise-filled world. Discover how to thrive in the realm of presentations and leave a lasting impression.
In 'Gamification by Design', the authors explore the art and science of integrating game mechanics into non-game contexts to enhance user engagement and motivation. They uncover the psychology behind what makes games addictive and how these principles can be applied to real-world scenarios. Through practical case studies and actionable frameworks, the book reveals how gamification can be a catalyst for innovation and user loyalty. Are you ready to unlock the secrets of game mechanics and transform your projects? Dive into this insightful read to discover how to design experiences that captivate and retain users!