Book Reading #45: Things That Make Us Smart

Reference Information

Title: Things That Make Us Smart: Defending Human Attributes in the Age of the Machine

Author: Donald Norman

Publisher: 1994 Basic Books

Chapter 3: The Power of Representation
Summary
This chapter discussed how things are represented and the effect that has on memory and usage. The powers of cognitive aids come from the fact that something completely unrelated can be used to represent something else that can then be reasoned off of (such as a pencil being a car in a reenactment). Representations allow people to work with things that are not generally workable, and should capture important features of the represented world, be appropriate for the person, and appropriate for the task.

Discussion
I think this chapter went on way too long for the information that was being presented. However, I do agree that representations are very powerful and, when used correctly, can enhance a person's understanding of a concept or event.

Chapter 4: Fitting the Artifact to the Person
Summary
This chapter discussed cognitive artifacts, including surface vs. internal representations, passive vs. active artifacts, and various helpful examples to explain his suggestions. In particular, the author emphasized that artifacts can be misused, so they should be designed carefully and should enhance mental capabilities in some way. The representation should be fitted to the task and the people who will be using it, and affordances should be taken into account.

Discussion
I liked the examples of games and such that led the reader to the author's conclusion before he even made it -- it's reflective reading! I also agree that cognitive artifacts should be designed carefully, and with their proper purpose and user in mind, so that they help instead of hinder.