"The development of a technology tends to follow a U-shaped curve of complexity: starting high; dropping to a low, comfortable level; then climbing again. New kinds of devices are complex and difficult to use. As technicians become more competent and an industry matures, devices become simpler, more reliable, and more powerful. But then, after the industry has stabilized, newcomers figure out how to add increased complexity power and capability, but always at the expense of added complexity sometimes decreased reliability."
This particular section really intrigued me. The more I thought about certain products, the more I realized just how true this section is. Take the cell phones, iPods, cameras, or stereo systems for example, society's demand has always been high but, the technology has followed in the pattern that was stated in the article and will probably continue to increase in complexity.
Norman's book was first published in 1988 and it still influences designers today. Why do you think this book continues to be influential 20 years later?
Norman's book is still popular because the theories he had are still relevant to the way in which our society functions. Unless society undergoes a drastic change, his book will continue to relevant in the design process.
Based on this chapter, what factors would you include on a checklist for evaluating the design of a product?
My checklist would include:
- testing my product out
- meet requirements? regulations?- safe/comfortable?
- is it affordable? (cost)
- does it fulfill its purpose?
- is my product attractive?(aesthetics)
- easiliy manufactured? - are the materials durable?
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