Is it easier to use nice looking things?

Image coming as soon as I wash my car

I recently read Donald A. Norman’s Emotional Design. The following are my thoughts on this book. Please enjoy.

In his other book, The Design of Everyday Things, Norman stresses that intuitive use must not be compromised for the sake of aesthetics. The general idea was that sure everyone likes nice things, but looks are really not important for an object. However, in his new book, Norman gives a little more importance to the way things look. I actually found it quite interesting how he changed his mind over time.

I was kind of disappointed that some examples are reused from his previous books: the masochist teapot, the car seat moving switch, and the sound of a kettle. The previously mentioned items work as examples, but it would have been nice if he had looked further than his house and car for some new examples.

As it turns out, if we like things, then we are more creative and able to figure them out. I thought that his explanation of the working of the brain were very interesting. Our brain can decide certain things before we ever have a chance to reflect on it.

We often feel certain emotions from object that have no real emotions. Likewise objects can be designed with the intent of exuding a certain emotion.

The development of robotic emotion and emotion sensing is both intriguing and frightening.

I wonder if someone could be devastated if they surround themselves with objects that give off negative emotions, even if the person does not consciously see the negative aspects of the object upon observation.