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.