1. The author discusses important features of design and highlights several of the major flaws that are present in many everyday objects. He provides many, sometimes comical examples that illustrate his more conceptual points. One feature of design that he spends time discussing is visibility. All pertinent parts for operation of any given device need to be clearly marked so that the user can intuitively know what to do. The designer should use natural signals, or those that one need not even think about because they just know. For example, people always push on doors where a metal plate has been placed. The on/off button has become so standard that people always know what to look for when turning electronic devices on and off. These types of natural signals help to create a natural design, which is very easy for the consumer to use. Along with visibility is a need for visible feedback. If buttons are being pushed, the consumer needs to be able to tell what is happening and whether or not the action is even being registered. This is a major problem with many landline phones that have no electronic display. One cannot tell if he or she has dialed the correct number until somebody answers the phone saying they have the wrong number, or that annoying beeping sound turns on. Another point the author addresses is the need for a good conceptual model. There are nearly infinite amounts of ways things can be designed, but the best way for people to limit the possibilities is by being able to simulate the device in the mind. People can tell whether a design is going to fail just by thinking about the structure of the product and how it will be used. These conceptual models are key to the idea of mental models, which are formed from experience, instruction, and training. Another concept the author talks about is mapping. Mapping is the relationship between two things such as controls or buttons and their effect. The author provides the example of a steering wheel, which works by turning the wheel left to make the car go left. Mapping should make sense in order to make products easier to use. Natural mapping, as in natural design, helps consumers understand products much faster.
2. In math classes, calculators can sometimes be extremely frustrating and difficult to use. As TI has continued upgrading the calculators, they cram more and more features and functions into the same amount of space. They essentially put three keyboards on the calculator because one can toggle the 2nd and alpha buttons to use more buttons. It is very difficult to navigate through all the menus, and things are not always clearly labeled. All of the difficulties of usability are highlighted in Norman’s article. Many functions are not clearly visible and are hiding in menus that one would not think of because there are so many menus. Norman talked about how there is a fine line between showing too little and showing too much. Showing too little tends to make it more difficult to use whereas showing too much can be overwhelming for the user. The calculator surely is overwhelming, and it is hard to understand what certain buttons and commands do. While visibility is too difficult though, mapping is quite good as every button pushed is clearly indicated in some way on the screen.
3. After reading this article, it becomes much more apparent how much thinking the Apple designers put into the iPod. They seem to have addressed all the major points Norman presents in the article. Everything on the iPod is simple to use. Just the right amount of things are visible, and it is very simple to change settings if one so desires. He or she must simply touch the “Settings” button. Along with the good mapping comes good mapping and feedback. One can easily see what happens when he or she pushes a button. Navigating the iPod makes sense too. To scroll up and down, one must move his or her finger up and down. Most young people are able to use iPod touches without difficulty because of the simple yet elegant design of the device.
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