Donald Norman - Worth Reading

I've used this quote before, but it is worth re-posting:

“The final result is that technology aids our thoughts and civilized lives, but it also provides a mind-set that artificially elevates some aspects of life and ignores others, not based upon their real importance but rather by the arbitrary condition of whether they can be measured scientifically and objectively by today’s tools.” Donald Norman, Things That Make Us Smart, 1993.

The quote is a good example of the humanity Norman brings to technology use.  His books The Psychology of Everyday Things and Things That Make Us Smart were probably as influential in shaping my own views toward technology and how to improve our ability to use it as anything I've read. I have his newest book, Emotional Design, on order. He makes humans, not machines, the focus of technology implementation and use. And rightfully so.

So I was delighted to see that Norman weighs in on the PowerPoint controversy in In Defense of PowerPoint. (Also check out Norman's very cool, very long annotated recommended book list.)

Here's a quick way to tell if  you are machine or human focused (as an AV director in Iowa once suggested to me): If someone comes up to you saying his computer doesn't work,  is your first thought is:

There is a problem in the chair.

or

There is a problem on the desk.

If your automatic assumption is that the problem is a SUD, you'd better grab one of Norman's books.  

Comments

[Diana]

Hi Doug. I visit this site often for inspiration, direction, and a good laugh. I am a new (old) media specialist. Or is it an old new media specialist? You take it anyway you want. It is a challenge and I often find that you are reinforcing what I am doing. That is very good. It makes me feel like I will be ok. Thanks again.