As a self-learned designer, navigating the vast world of User Experience (UX) can be overwhelming. Without the foundation of a reputed design school, it’s easy to question whether you have what it takes to excel in this field.
In my first interview as UI UX designer, the interviewer handed over me a pen. Asks me ‘describe the UX of this pen’.
Me a designer with marketing experience couldn’t describe how the rubber on the pen makes your grip better. The round ball in the nib of pen makes writing easier and supports the continued flow of ink and so on.
He suggested this book for me to read that formed how I think about things around me.“The Design of Everyday Things” by Don Norman.
Norman’s book provides invaluable insights into how to think like a UX designer, regardless of your educational background. One of the most relevant and eye-opening concepts discussed is the idea that good design is about understanding the needs and behavior of the user.
Let’s take a popular example by Norman:
Let’s imagine you go to a hotel room. Your see the door and hold the handle and you try pushing it. It doesn’t open. Then you try pulling it, it still doesn’t open.
Feeling frustrated you ask the hotel manager and they then tell you needed to slide the door open. As a user you feel embarrassed now on how stupid it was. While in reality it was just bad design.
Norman described such scenarios even in detail with correct terminologies and how to uplift a user with right product design.
Classic history and making of iPhone 📱 :
Consider the iconic first-generation iPhone by Apple, a product that reshaped the world of technology and user experience. Steve Jobs, the visionary behind Apple, prioritized user experience at every stage of its development.
In the biography “Steve Jobs” by Walter Isaacson, the author describes how Jobs obsessed over every detail of the iPhone’s design, aiming for perfection. He envisioned a device that would seamlessly blend cutting-edge technology with effortless usability.
To ensure the device met his high standards, Jobs employed a hands-on approach, testing the iPhone with a wide range of users, including a 5-year-old child. This real-world usability test allowed him to observe firsthand how intuitive and easy to use the device was for people of all ages and technological backgrounds.
The Power of Usability:
Norman’s book emphasizes the significance of usability, and the iPhone is a shining example of this principle in action. Apple’s iOS interface was designed to be intuitive and user-friendly, with simple gestures like swiping, tapping, and pinching to perform various actions. The visual feedback and responsiveness of the interface further enhanced the overall user experience.
By prioritizing usability and understanding user behavior, Apple revolutionized the smartphone industry and set new standards for user-centered design. The iPhone’s success can be attributed, in large part, to the meticulous attention to detail and user testing that went into its creation.
Changing Your Perspective:
Reading “The Design of Everyday Things” can be a game-changer for self-taught designers. It challenges you to see UX design from a new perspective, helping you break down complex problems into user-centric solutions. By understanding the principles outlined in this book and drawing inspiration from examples like the iPhone, you’ll gain confidence in your ability to create meaningful and impactful designs.
Conclusion:
“The Design of Everyday Things” by Don Norman is a powerful tool for self-taught designers looking to enhance their understanding of UX design.
Steve Jobs by Walter Isaacson gives you insights on how Apple made product that brought delight. That helped users.
So, grab a copy, delve into its pages, and let it empower you to create remarkable user experiences that make a difference.
