Book report Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words

Book report - Essay Example hat our inability to perform simple duties such as opening doors or switching on lights does not originate from us and we are not incompetent but rather it is because the design of the product we are using does not meet human needs and also does not take into consideration principles of cognitive psychology. This book also indicates the need for developing good designs and illustrates simple steps that can be followed to achieve this. It also highlights and discusses the situations that lead to forming of bad designs. Simple things that we use daily in our lives that are perceived to be very easy to use have now proved to be quite complicated as technology advances. An example that the author gives in the book is that of a door. The different designs that have been used in different types of modern day door have made it difficult for the author to use them. The difficulties that the author experience with the door have become popular making doors which often cause confusion to be referred to as "Norman doors" the authors name. Some designs require one to push or pull the door in a given direction while for others one needs to slide the door so as to be able to open it. The first chapter of the book influences designing positively. The author talks of important but simple aspects of design that a designer needs always to put into consideration for his or her design to be effective. Designed products need to be very safe, efficient and should satisfy individuals when it comes to actual usage. The author talks about two crucial attributes of a good design. These are discoverability and understanding. The design made should enable the user to determine what actions are doable and where and how the user can carry them out; that explains discoverability. In understanding, the user of the product should be capable of knowing what it is all about and how it is meant to be used. While designing their products designers should aim for not only beauty, but also utility,