Emotional Design Pt. 2

1.  "Whether we want to admit it or not we all care about the image we present to others- or, for that matter, about the self-image that we present to ourselves."  One of the most biggest tools, in my opinion, that designers can take advantage of is this statement.  Everyone cares about their self-image and will buy products, like clothes, if it improves their image.

2.  The categories Visceral Design, Behavioral Design and Reflective Design are all important because they all can be used as a tool when analyzing a product.  On top of that all these categories are true, for the most part, of how a consumer views a product.  I think these three categories could have better names: Visual Design, Performance Design and Self-Image Design respectively.  

3.  The best way to decide whether Visceral Design, Behavioral Design and Reflective Design are most important for a product is to analyze the product itself and to decide what the consumer will look at the most when shopping.  For instance, a clothes designer should consider Visceral Design and Reflective Design the two most important because when people shop for clothes they care most about how the clothes and how they will make them look.  On the other hand, when a designer is designing power tools they should consider Behavioral Design first because when people buy power tools they care about usability the most.

Emotional Design

1.  Donald Norman had three main points in his article: Visceral, Behavioral and Reflective Design.  Visceral Design describes the emotion one feels when they see something and want to buy it.  People have a predetermined idea of what they perceive as good looking or cool.  Behavioral Design illustrates the usability of an item and how well it performs.  Reflective Design is about the meaning of an item and the feelings it evokes from a self-image stand point.

2.  "Emotional Design," as opposed to Norman's previous article "The Design of Everyday Things," touches more upon why consumers feel a certain way towards a product.  This article informs the reader about different emotional factors one may feel towards a product, while Norman's previous article talks about reasons customers have trouble using products.

3.  1) The poster in my room of "Fight Club" is an example of Visceral Design because when I saw the poster at the poster sale it caught my eye and I had a predetermined mindset that the movie "Fight Club" was cool.  Visceral Design is significant because from the very first time we see a product, we have an almost predetermined opinion of it.

     2) My MacBook is an example of Behavioral Design because I bought it for its high performance and usability.  Behavioral Design is important because when consumers have a positive experience with a product while they have it, they are more likely to buy a product from that same company again.

     3) My Levi Jeans describe Reflective Design because of the self-image I have when I wear them.  When I wear them I like the way they I look and feel.  Reflective Design is important because everybody cares about their self-image and it is important for products to showcase a positive self-image for the consumer that owns it.  

The Design of Everyday Things Pt. 2

1.  "A friend told me about the time he got trapped in the doorway of a post office in a European city.  The entrance was an imposing row of perhaps six glass swinging doors, followed by a second, identical row. "  I found it rather funny that the visibility on the door was so bad that the man couldn't even figure out how to work the door.  This passage also helped me understand the idea of natural design.

2.  I think Norman's work is still influential today even though it was made in 1988 because the problems expressed in his book are still present today.  In 2008, we still find flaws in design and usability.  

3.  Many factors should be put on checklist when evaluating the design of a product: easy to use functions, controls follow our natural mapping, durable, quality and simple.

The Design of Everyday Things

1.  Donald Norman makes a very valid point with his article.  I find that many everyday appliances are far too complicated and complex to use.  Designers sacrifice usability for appearance and style.  

2.  At home, I always had trouble working the washer and dryer.  The design didn't do a good job of labeling the different functions of the appliance.  The usability was compromised by lack of natural mapping.

3.  The designers of the iPod revolutionized natural mapping by the use of the wheel to scroll through the menu; turning the wheel clockwise scrolls down and turning the wheel counterclockwise scrolls up .  In addition, the iPod also has properly labeled buttons to play, pause and switch songs.  The iPod also features a simple hold switch at the top of the system.  

1.  The Apple company wanted to find a way to innovate the current market on mp3 players.  Apple hired people to run trials on the design of their new product and how it might actually work.  A meeting was held for a group of the apple elite to evaluate and decide which of the choices on design and function they wanted to choose.  They selected their final product and the ipod is now on the market.

2.  Nothing is perfect, but factors go into making something a good product: durability, style/color, comfort, price and quality.  All these factors are needed to make a close-to-perfect product.

3.  Ipods have many strengths: trendy, long lasting battery, easy to use, small, durable and compatible with your computer.  Ipods also have their weaknesses: small screen, scratched easily and expensive.  Overall an ipod is an excellent product and I highly recommend it.  

Opening Post

Hey I'm Kenny.