Book Reading #52: Living With Complexity

Reference  Information

Title: Living With Complexity

Author: Donald Norman

Publisher: 2010 Basic Books

Chapter 3: How Simple Things Can Complicate Our Mind
Summary
This chapter discussed the fact that even simple things can still be confusing, since each thing has its own unique rules of operation. To help deal with this, Norman suggests putting information in the world, such as sticky note reminders and signs (these can be just as confusing, though). Complexity can come from the amount of information that must be known, and complexity can be reduced by using forcing functions to constrain the amount of possible actions.


Discussion
It makes sense that large amounts of simple things can become confusing. Like Norman said, even door locks are confusing when each one works somewhat differently. The forcing function suggestion was also good, but expected after reading Design of Everyday Things.


Chapter 4: Social Signifiers
Summary
This chapter discussed how people manage well in new situations due to cues provided by the actions of others (social signifiers). The exact interpretation of each signifier depends on other, related knowledge, and cultural complexity can affect the meaning since it can mean different interactions between people. Good design provides signifiers to the appropriate use of the device.


Discussion
I thought it was interesting to read about how subtle, social clues actually let people know how to act in a situation, although it does seem to be a rather intuitive concept. With this in mind, it only makes sense that design should include its own signifiers to let people know how to act with a particular device, especially if users may not even be aware of the cuing.