How can a designer indicate action in their design?

A designer can indicate action in their design by making the function of the design element clear through its form. For example, a door handle can be designed in a way that it naturally suggests pushing or pulling. The visibility of certain elements, like a hinge on a door, can also indicate the action required. The key is to make the design intuitive so that manual instructions are not necessary.

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The Design of Everyday Things

How do designers improve their products to work around flaws in human logic? In The Design of Everyday Things, Don Norman teaches the top frameworks b...

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For simple designs, like those for a door or kettle, manual instructions to "push" or "pull" should not be necessary. Good design should indicate action by itself. Make a pillar visible so that it's clear which side of a door is attached to a hinge. When simple things are overly complex, Norman writes, "the whole purpose of the design is lost."

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Good design significantly enhances the usability of a product. It makes the product intuitive and easy to use, eliminating the need for detailed instructions or guidance. It ensures that the product's purpose is clear and that it can be used effectively and efficiently. When a product is well-designed, users can understand and use it without confusion or difficulty, which improves their overall experience and satisfaction.

The principles of psychology, cognitive science, and art can be applied in product design by understanding how users interact with and perceive objects. This involves creating intuitive designs that indicate their function and use, such as making a pillar visible to indicate which side of a door is attached to a hinge. Overly complex designs can confuse users and defeat the purpose of the design.

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