The Design of Everyday Things

Revised and Expanded Edition

Don Norman

Genre

Book Synopsis

"The Design of Everyday Things" by Don Norman is a thought-provoking exploration of the principles and psychology behind good design. In this impactful book, Norman challenges both designers and users to reevaluate the way they interact with objects and products in their daily lives.

By examining the common frustrations and failures that arise from poorly designed objects, Norman illustrates the importance of understanding user-centered design. He outlines practical strategies for creating intuitive and user-friendly designs, emphasizing the need to consider people's natural abilities, behaviors, and limitations.

Through engaging anecdotes and real-world examples, Norman demonstrates how thoughtful design can transform the user experience. He delves into various topics, including the concept of affordances, which refers to the perceived abilities and potential uses an object offers to its users.

Norman also delves into the psychology of user error and the critical role of feedback in design. He argues that errors are not solely the fault of the user but often a consequence of confusing or poorly designed interfaces. He pinpoints features that enhance discoverability and help users easily understand and navigate through complex systems.

As technology continues to shape our lives, Norman stresses the importance of designing with empathy and inclusivity. He explores the challenges posed by emerging technologies, such as automation and artificial intelligence, and emphasizes the need for ethical decision-making to ensure positive outcomes for users.

"The Design of Everyday Things" is a must-read for designers, engineers, and anyone who wants to understand how good design can enhance their daily interactions. With its clear-cut principles and actionable advice, this book is a valuable resource that will inspire the reader to think critically about the objects that surround them and drive meaningful change in the world of design.

Explore More Books

See All
Traction
High Growth Handbook
Spain in Our Hearts
Trick Mirror
Models. Behaving. Badly.
Technofeudalism
Tap Dancing to Work
Bad Blood
Viral Loop
Happy Money
Livewired
Capitalism Without Capital
The Line Becomes a River
The Right Stuff
Selfish Reasons to Have More Kids
The Little Book of Investing Like the Pros
The Wisdom of Life
Subliminal
A Bright Future
A Year with Rumi
The Company
Adultery
Trailblazer
A Guide To The Good Life
The Picture of Dorian Gray
Connectography
Spiritual Enlightenment, the Damnedest Thing
The Courage To Be Disliked
Masters of the Word
The Robber Barons
Six Not-So-Easy Pieces
The Score Takes Care of Itself
Leadership the Outward Bound Way
It's Garry Shandling's Book
Crash Proof 2.0
Fleishman Is In Trouble
Modernity Without Restraint
Mapping the Mind
Cry, The Beloved Country
The Road to Serfdom
Talent Is Overrated
Steve Jobs
The Tao of Charlie Munger
Crime and Punishment
Planta Sapiens
In Defense of Food
The TB12 Method
How Nature Works
Transmetropolitan
An Autobiography of Anthony Trollope
Creation
Happiness
The Splendid and the Vile
Nietzsche: Beyond Good and Evil
Thinking In Bets
Common Stocks and Uncommon Profits
The Big Picture
The Alliance
Zero to One
Against The Gods
The Biggest Con
The Fear Book
Autobiography of a Yogi
One Up on Wall Street
The Boys in the Boat
Rich Dad, Poor Dad
Food and Nutrition
Civilian Warriors
ANSI Common Lisp
Motherless Brooklyn
Dominion
For the Love of the Land
Sperm Wars
Genius
The Medici Effect
Hiroshima
Black Edge
The Curse of the Mogul
The Hockey Stick Illusion
The Weather Makers
Cashing in on the American Dream
Nixon Agonistes
A Whole New Mind
A Life Decoded
What Has Government Done To Our Money?
Clocks and Culture
The Kelly Capital Growth Investment Criterion
Relentless
The Hunt for Red October
Thus Spoke the Plant
Secret Sauce
Hatching Twitter
The World For Sale
Revolution
The Path To Power
Longitude
Modern Man in Search of a Soul
A Full Life: Reflections at Ninety
Economics in One Lesson
Why We Believe in God(s)