Don Norman

The Design of Everyday Things

1. IDEA 1

   Bad design causes everyday frustration

   Norman argues that when people struggle with doors, taps or gadgets, the problem is usually poor design, not stupid users. Good design makes it clear how something works, so people can use it without instructions.

2. IDEA 2

   Doors can confuse people

   Norman describes doors that people push when they should pull, now often called Norman doors. Their design gives misleading clues. In Norman's view, the fault lies with the design, not the person, since a good door should show how it works.

3. IDEA 3

   Affordances suggest use

   Norman explains affordances, the possible actions an object allows, such as a chair affording sitting. Designers should make useful affordances obvious. In Norman's view, when an object's shape hints at how it can be used, people know what to do without instructions.

All 8 ideas from The Design of Everyday Things →