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By Donald A. Norman |

Making the Ordinary Intuitive

The Design of Everyday Things is a timeless guide that challenges how we interact with the world around us. Written by cognitive scientist and usability pioneer Don Norman, this book uncovers the hidden psychology behind everyday objects—why doors confuse us, why we push instead of pull, and why some products just feel “right” to use.

Norman doesn’t just critique poor design—he offers a compelling framework for human-centered design. His approach is rooted in empathy: great products don’t require users to adapt to them. Instead, they adapt to human behavior, logic, and needs.

Whether you’re designing software, physical products, or user experiences, The Design of Everyday Things is a foundational blueprint for creating intuitive, usable, and even delightful interactions in a world increasingly driven by complexity.

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Top 10 Lessons from The Design of Everyday Things by Don Norman

1. Design Should Serve People—Not Confuse Them

The most elegant designs are often invisible. Norman argues that good design helps users achieve their goals without friction. Confusion isn’t a user problem—it’s a design failure.

2. Visibility Drives Usability

If people can’t see how to use something, they’ll likely misuse it. Clear cues—like buttons, handles, and prompts—help users understand actions instinctively. What you see should suggest what you can do.

3. Affordances Make Function Obvious

An object’s design should suggest its purpose. A chair “affords” sitting; a knob “affords” turning. When affordances are clear, users don’t need instructions—they just know what to do.

4. Feedback Builds Confidence

Every action should have an immediate, clear response. Whether it’s a beep, a light, or a vibration, feedback reassures the user and confirms that the system is working.

5. Simplicity Isn’t the Same as Minimalism

Stripping away features doesn’t make something usable. True simplicity comes from thoughtful design that reduces cognitive load while still supporting the user’s real needs.

6. Error Is Human—Design Should Account for It

Mistakes are inevitable, so great design anticipates and corrects them. From undo buttons to warning messages, smart systems prevent errors or make recovery painless.

7. Mapping Helps Users Predict Outcomes

Controls should match outcomes logically. When turning a dial right makes volume go up, or sliding a bar adjusts brightness, the mapping between control and result feels natural.

8. Constraints Reduce Complexity

Norman emphasizes using physical, logical, or cultural constraints to limit what users can do—making the correct action obvious and preventing confusion or damage.

9. Good Design Begins with Empathy

Designers must understand the mental models of their users—how they think things work. Only then can they create systems that feel intuitive and user-friendly, even on first use.

10. Iteration Is Key to Excellence

No design is perfect the first time. Testing, learning, and refining based on real user behavior is essential. Design is a process, not a one-time act of inspiration.

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Final Thought

The Design of Everyday Things is more than a book about usability—it’s a manifesto for thoughtful, empathetic, and responsible design. In a world filled with complexity, Norman reminds us that simplicity, clarity, and human-centered thinking are the hallmarks of enduring innovation. Whether you’re building the next big app or redesigning a doorknob, this book will change the way you see—and shape—the world.