“When I use a direct manipulation system whether for text editing, drawing pictures, or creating and playing games I do think of myself not as using a computer but as doing the particular task. The computer is, in effect, invisible. The point cannot be overstressed: make the computer system invisible.” ThinkingUseGamesEffectsParticularComputerCreatingTasksDirectDrawingInvisibleManipulationEditingPlaying GamesComputer SystemsDrawing Pictures Author:Donald A. Norman
“In the consumer economy taste is not the criterion in the marketing of expensive soft drinks, usability is not the primary criterion in the marketing of home and office appliances. We are surrounded with objects of desire, not objects of use.” UseHomeDesireEconomyObjectsDrinkTasteOfficeMarketingPrimariesConsumersExpensiveCriteriaAppliancesUsabilityObjects Of DesireSoft Drinks Author:Donald A. Norman
“Go to the bookstore and look at how many bookshelves are filled with books trying to explain how to work the devices. We don't see shelves of books on how to use television sets, telephones, refrigerators or washing machines. Why should we for computer-based applications?” ShouldTryingLooksBookUseTelevisionComputerMachinesFilledDevicesApplicationShelvesTelephonesWashingBookstoresRefrigeratorsBookshelvesWashing Machines Author:Donald A. Norman
“The major problems facing the development of products that are safer, less prone to error, and easier to use and understand are not technological: they are social and organizational.” UseProblemSocialProductsDevelopmentEasierMajorsErrorsTechnologicalOrganizationalMajor Problems Author:Donald A. Norman
“Knowing how people will use something is essential” PeopleUseKnowingEssentialsAquariums Author:Donald A. Norman
“Isn't one of your first exercises in learning how to communicate to write a description of how to tie your shoelaces? The point being that it's basically impossible to use text to show that” WritingFirstsUseShowsImpossibleExerciseCommunicateTiesDescriptionShoelaces Author:Donald A. Norman
