Lessons
Monday, December 3, 2007
Last week in class we touched briefly on some of our readings. Though ultimately the discussion turned in the direction of how people perceived the class more generally.
I found the readings in the course pack helpful. I came to ITP without having ever considered what one's priorities should be in designing a product or system. From the very beginning, in reading about the design of everyday things, I benefitted from the text.
On a practical note, I would say that there are some very basic things I try to keep in mind at this point when considering the user. Here are some of the lessons I took in during the semester:
Let them know the thing is on
Newness - if the interface is completely novel, incorporate elements that will make it understandable
Duration - or, that there should be a narrative arc to use (e.g., touch, something happens, stop touching).
Feedback is important
Is what you are doing related in any way to what is goign to happen? (does pushing 'up' on an elevator button imply that you will go up?) what motion, if any, would be more appropriate?
There is power in serendipity and the unexpected (Trash talk)
There is power in the beautiful
Sometimes simplicity is just as robust a tool as complexity
Beware of feature creep
And of course, though not about the user, Tom's rule #3 of love and networking - always listen more than you talk.
posted by Amanda @ 12/03/2007 09:27:00 PM,