The Design of Everyday Things
Don Norman
5 mins
3 key insights
Visual, audio & text
The Design of Everyday Things shows how the inability to use certain products is often the result of bad design, demonstrating how companies can use cognitive psychology to implement better design principles that will solve problems rather than create them.


The Design of Everyday Things

The Design of Everyday Things
by Don Norman
Overview
Many of us have experienced the dilemma of walking up to a door, and not knowing whether it's a push or a pull mechanism. But as it turns out, this may not be our fault. More often than not, when we become confused with a product, this isn't because we lack intelligence – it's a sign of faulty design.
In The Design of Everyday Things: The Cognitive Psychology of Good Design Donald A. Norman explores the correlation between human psychology and product effectiveness. Norman, a professor, author, and director of The Design Lab, highlights us how technology can work with people to make our lives easier.
Favorite quote

Cognition attempts to make sense of the world: emotion assigns value.
- Donald A. Norman

Download the uptime app to
Read or listen, with different modes
Adjust audio speed in the app
Bookmark to save titles for later
Share your favourite Hacks