Book Reading #21: Design of Everyday Things

Chapter 7: User-Centered Design

The Design of Everyday Things

Donald. A. Norman

Summary: In this chapter, Norman summarizes and uses all the concepts of previous chapters to provide designers with a set of seven principles that can transform difficult tasks into simple ones. Norman also analyzes how technology and design affect society in both positive and negative ways. The closing section to the chapter is the closing section to the book; Norman reiterates the importance of good design, advices designers to take the challenge of designing and analyzing designs, users to analyze design as well and congratulate those designers that are doing a good job.

Discussion: This last chapter was a good review of the book. It reminded me of the most relevant concepts, and with Norman refering back to the major examples used in the previous chapters, it was easier to understand how it all ties together. I also enjoyed reading the last small section of the chapters, which is the last section of the book... Norman encourage both, designers and users, to push for designs that will increase usability and effectivenes.