I feel that the author's key points in this chapter were the importance of visibility, mapping, affordances and the conceptual model. Throughout the reading, Norman stresses how viable these components are and how difficult it can be to oprerate a product when some of these features are absent.
- Visibility- Without having a clear view of the product and its features, this can cause a lot of confusion. The product wouldn't necessarily serve its purpose if the user doesn't know how to fully operate the product.
- Mapping- If a product doesn't have an easy-to-understand relationship with the way it needs to be conducted and the final outcome, the product pretty much would be useless.
- Affordances- Reffering to how the product is supposed to be used and the commands it can "afford" to do.
- Conceptual Map- This plays a pivotal role because it helps visualize how the product will respond when in use.
2. Think of a specific object that you have had difficulty using. How did design contribute to make it difficult to use? Does the usability problem arise from one of the principles that Norman discusses here?
An object that I've had extreme difficulty using, has to be my Blackberry phone. It has been little over two months and I'm still learning how to use all its features. The design somewhat contributes to why it has been difficult to use. Although most of the buttons are labeled, the majority of them have multiple functions. My phone exceeds the number of controls, making it difficult to accomplish little tasks such as going to my inbox.3. How did the designers of the iPod address the principles that Norman discusses here?
The designers of the iPod address the principles that Norman discussed by explaining the elaborate process that they had to undergo in order to make it serve its purpose. Several components are shared, such as the importance of visibility and the conceptual map. Without these two important components, the iPod wouldn't be as succesful.
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