new note method

Processing 18 books in one month can be challenging, so I have started using a new note method. Essentially I highlight the 3 most important points per page, and give them keywords on a tabbed system for quick future access.

I am finding that Donald Norman has some redundant information in his second book, which is disappointing, he even uses some of the same photos and graphics, his conceptual model graphic is embellished slightly with gradients which makes it worse...

Not all of his points are valid either... He claims that the floppy disc is great design, because indentations and cutouts don't allow for the improper insertion into the slot.

I would argue that this design is in fact a failure, because the user doesn't automatically know which direction the disk goes, in fact it is usually the case that the user inserts it multiple times, each time getting denied the full insertion and by trial and error the correct orientation is finally achieved. A simple large arrow on all floppy discs could have remedied this confusion with early adopters of this technology.

The CD on the other hand, is far superior because it can be inserted in any direction, and most users insert it with the label facing up, because it is the natural way people operate.

I do however, recomend both of these books to product designers, because he does have many valid arguements, which I will detail later in my final report. Some key points are as follows:

The importance of user testing

Compex Interfaces

Natural Mapping

Tactile Feedback

Design by Comitte

The role of Emotions