The Design of Everyday Things (www.amazon.com.au)

Author: Donald A Norman

ISBN-10: 9780465050659

Paperback: 368 pages

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The book “The Design of Everyday Things: Revised and Expanded Edition” is a helpful guide to understanding how design affects our daily lives. The author, Don Norman, is a design expert and has worked with many companies to improve the usability of their products.

The book is divided into three parts. In the first part, Norman explains the fundamental principles of design, such as affordances and feedback. He explains that good design should make it easy for users to understand how to use a product and provide clear feedback about what is happening when they interact with it.

In the second part of the book, Norman applies these principles to everyday objects, such as doors, faucets, and telephones. He shows how poorly designed objects can cause frustration and confusion, and provides examples of how these objects can be improved.

The third part of the book focuses on the design of technology, such as computers and smartphones. Norman argues that technology should be designed to fit the needs and abilities of users, rather than forcing users to adapt to the technology.

Throughout the book, Norman emphasizes the importance of empathy and understanding the needs of users. He encourages designers to put themselves in the shoes of the users and consider how their products will be used in real-life situations.

Overall, “The Design of Everyday Things: Revised and Expanded Edition” is a useful guide for anyone interested in design or technology. It provides practical advice on how to improve the usability of everyday objects and technology and encourages designers to prioritize the needs of users.