Donald A. Norman Quote
Seven fundamental principles of design: 1.Discoverability. It is possible to determine what actions are possible and the current state of the device. 2.Feedback. There is full and continuous information about the results of actions and the current state of the product or service. After an action has been executed, it is easy to determine the new state. 3.Conceptual model. The design projects all the information needed to create a good conceptual model of the system, leading to understanding and a feeling of control. The conceptual model enhances both discoverability and evaluation of results. 4.Affordances. The proper affordances exist to make the desired actions possible. 5.Signifiers. Effective use of signifiers ensures discoverability and that the feedback is well communicated and intelligible. 6.Mappings. The relationship between controls and their actions follows the principles of good mapping, enhanced as much as possible through spatial layout and temporal contiguity. 7.Constraints. Providing physical, logical, semantic, and cultural constraints guides actions and eases interpretation.
Seven fundamental principles of design: 1.Discoverability. It is possible to determine what actions are possible and the current state of the device. 2.Feedback. There is full and continuous information about the results of actions and the current state of the product or service. After an action has been executed, it is easy to determine the new state. 3.Conceptual model. The design projects all the information needed to create a good conceptual model of the system, leading to understanding and a feeling of control. The conceptual model enhances both discoverability and evaluation of results. 4.Affordances. The proper affordances exist to make the desired actions possible. 5.Signifiers. Effective use of signifiers ensures discoverability and that the feedback is well communicated and intelligible. 6.Mappings. The relationship between controls and their actions follows the principles of good mapping, enhanced as much as possible through spatial layout and temporal contiguity. 7.Constraints. Providing physical, logical, semantic, and cultural constraints guides actions and eases interpretation.
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About Donald A. Norman
Much of Norman's work involves the advocacy of user-centered design. His books all have the underlying purpose of furthering the field of design, from doors to computers. Norman has taken a controversial stance in saying that the design research community has had little impact in the innovation of products, and that while academics can help in refining existing products, it is technologists that accomplish the breakthroughs. To this end, Norman named his website with the initialism JND (just-noticeable difference) to signify his endeavors to make a difference.