The Design of Everyday Things by Don Norman

Last updated: Aug 11, 2023

Summary of The Design of Everyday Things by Don Norman

The Design of Everyday Things by Don Norman is a comprehensive exploration of the principles and psychology behind good design. Norman argues that good design is essential for creating products and systems that are intuitive, efficient, and enjoyable to use.

The book begins by discussing the concept of affordances, which are the perceived possibilities for action that an object or environment offers to a user. Norman emphasizes the importance of clear and understandable affordances in design, as they allow users to easily understand how to interact with a product or system.

Norman also introduces the concept of mapping, which refers to the relationship between the controls of a device and the functions they control. He argues that good mapping is crucial for intuitive design, as it allows users to easily understand how their actions will affect the system.

Another key concept discussed in the book is feedback. Norman explains that feedback is essential for users to understand the state of a system and the consequences of their actions. He emphasizes the importance of providing immediate and informative feedback to users, as it helps them make informed decisions and avoid errors.

Norman also explores the concept of conceptual models, which are the mental representations that users develop to understand how a system works. He argues that good design should align with users' mental models, as this reduces cognitive load and makes the system easier to use.

The book also delves into the psychology of human error and the role of design in preventing errors. Norman explains that errors are often the result of poor design, and he provides strategies for minimizing errors through better design practices.

Throughout the book, Norman uses numerous examples and case studies to illustrate his points. He discusses the design of everyday objects such as doors, faucets, and telephones, as well as more complex systems like computer interfaces and transportation systems.

In conclusion, The Design of Everyday Things is a comprehensive guide to understanding the principles and psychology behind good design. Norman's insights and examples provide valuable lessons for designers and anyone interested in creating products and systems that are intuitive, efficient, and enjoyable to use.

1. The importance of affordances

In his book, Don Norman emphasizes the concept of affordances, which refers to the perceived and actual properties of an object that determine how it can be used. Affordances provide clues to users about how to interact with an object or system. For example, a door handle affords pulling, while a flat plate affords pushing. Understanding and designing for affordances is crucial in creating intuitive and user-friendly designs.

By considering affordances, designers can ensure that their products or systems communicate their functionality effectively. This can be achieved through visual cues, such as the shape or texture of an object, or through other sensory cues, like sound or touch. By aligning the affordances with users' expectations, designers can reduce the cognitive load required to understand and use a product, leading to a more enjoyable and efficient user experience.

2. The role of feedback in design

Feedback plays a vital role in the design of everyday things. It provides users with information about the state of a system or the outcome of their actions. Effective feedback helps users understand the consequences of their interactions and guides them towards achieving their goals. Without proper feedback, users may feel lost or uncertain about the outcome of their actions.

Designers should strive to provide immediate and informative feedback to users. This can be achieved through various means, such as visual indicators, auditory cues, or tactile responses. For example, a progress bar on a website provides feedback on the loading status, while a click sound when pressing a button confirms the action. By incorporating feedback into the design, designers can enhance the usability and user satisfaction of their products.

3. The impact of mental models

Mental models are the internal representations that individuals develop to understand and interact with the world. Don Norman highlights the importance of considering users' mental models when designing everyday things. By aligning the design with users' mental models, designers can create intuitive and easy-to-use products.

Designers should strive to understand their target users' mental models through user research and testing. This knowledge can then be used to inform the design decisions, ensuring that the product matches users' expectations and mental models. By reducing the cognitive effort required to understand and operate a product, designers can enhance the overall user experience and increase user satisfaction.

4. The power of constraints

Constraints are limitations or restrictions placed on a system or product. While constraints may seem limiting, they can actually enhance the usability and user experience. Don Norman emphasizes the importance of well-designed constraints in guiding users towards the correct actions and preventing errors.

By carefully selecting and implementing constraints, designers can simplify the interaction process and reduce the likelihood of user errors. For example, a physical constraint, such as a key that can only be inserted in one orientation, prevents users from inserting it incorrectly. Constraints can also be applied through visual cues, such as disabling certain buttons until specific conditions are met. By leveraging constraints effectively, designers can create intuitive and error-free designs.

5. The need for discoverability

Discoverability refers to the ease with which users can discover and understand the available actions or features of a product or system. Don Norman emphasizes the importance of making the functionality of a design easily discoverable to users.

Designers should strive to provide clear and visible cues that indicate the available actions or features. This can be achieved through visual cues, such as icons or labels, or through interactive elements that respond to user interactions. By making the functionality discoverable, designers can reduce the learning curve and increase user engagement with the product.

6. The influence of mapping

Mapping refers to the relationship between the controls or inputs of a system and the corresponding outputs or effects. Don Norman highlights the importance of creating a clear and intuitive mapping between user actions and system responses.

Designers should strive to ensure that the mapping between user actions and system responses is logical and consistent. For example, a volume control knob that rotates clockwise to increase the volume should not suddenly reverse its behavior. By aligning the mapping with users' mental models and expectations, designers can create a more intuitive and user-friendly experience.

7. The role of error prevention and recovery

Error prevention and recovery are crucial aspects of design. Don Norman emphasizes the importance of designing systems that prevent errors from occurring in the first place and provide clear paths for recovery when errors do happen.

Designers should anticipate potential user errors and implement preventive measures, such as confirmation dialogs or input validation, to minimize the occurrence of errors. Additionally, designers should provide clear and informative error messages or prompts to guide users towards recovery. By designing for error prevention and recovery, designers can enhance the usability and user satisfaction of their products.

8. The significance of cultural and contextual considerations

Cultural and contextual factors play a significant role in the design of everyday things. Don Norman emphasizes the importance of considering the cultural and contextual backgrounds of users when designing products or systems.

Designers should be aware of cultural differences in perception, cognition, and interaction styles. They should also consider the specific context in which the product or system will be used, including the physical environment and the users' goals and tasks. By tailoring the design to the cultural and contextual factors, designers can create products that are more inclusive, accessible, and relevant to the target users.