The Psychology of Everyday Things

TLDR

Product design often fails to align with users’ cognitive needs, leading to confusing controls and hidden functions, as illustrated by devices such as VCRs, computers, and office phones. The book aims to raise awareness among consumers and designers about creating products that are intuitive and easy to use. It proposes simple rules: make controls visible, align function with natural relationships, and use constraints intelligently. Available at http://www.perseusbooksgroup.com/basic/book_detail.jsp?isbn=0465067093.

Abstract

Product Description : Even the smartest among us can feel inept as we fail to figure our which light switch or oven burner to turn on, or whether to push, pull, or slide a door. The fault, argues this fascinating, ingenious—even liberating—book, lies not in ourselves, but in product design that ignores the needs of users and the principles of cognitive psychology.The problems range from ambiguous and hidden controls to arbitrary relationships between controls and functions, coupled with a lack of feedback or other assistance and unreasonable demands on memorization. The book presents examples aplenty—among them, the VCR, computer, and office telephone, all models of how not to design for people.But good, usable design is possible. The rules are simple: make things visible, exploit natural relationships that couple function and control, and make intelligent use of constraints. The goal: guide the user effortlessly to the right action on the right control at the right time. But the designer must care.The author is a world-famous psychologist and pioneer in the application of cognitive science. His aim is to raise the consciousness of both consumers and designers to the delights of products that are easy to use and understand. (http://www.perseusbooksgroup.com/basic/book_detail.jsp?isbn=0465067093)