Book Reading # 52

Chapter 3 & Chapter 4


Summary
In chapter three, Norman talks about how things seem simple but in reality they can complicate our lives. As an example he talks about passwords which most likely we have more than a couple. Some of these ideas seem redundant from the previous chapter. In chapter four, Norman talks about social signifiers.
Discussion
The idea of having the designers take extra time to analyze their designs, share with other developers to get from feedback is a relevant topic of discussion in class. I think this is very important as this can reduce the frustration the users suffer from an inappropriate design. Designers have to take off their design hats and put their user's hat to alleviate some of this user frustration that can be provoked.  I enjoyed reading Norman's previous book but I don't think I could read more than three of his books as they seem to be getting redundant.

Book Reading # 51

Living with Complexity
Donald A. Norman
 
Chapter 1 & Chapter 2


Summary
In chapter one, Norman talks about the different between something that is complex and something that is complicated. If something is described as complex it is understandable but hard to get a grip on. On the other hand, something complicated is hard to understand. In the next chapter he is talking about how we believe we want to thing about a simple design but the matter of fact is we only make things more complex based on the individual who is designing.

Discussion
I do not now if I should re read chapter one again but it seems like he is contradicting what he tried to tell us before in other books which was to keep things simple. In this chapter he tells us that complex things are desirable and enjoyable. Chapter two makes me think a lot because I have been in that situation many times when I want to design something that is simple but then start thinking about it too much that I deviate too much from my initial goal and start making things too complex.