Question
Some examples of bad design in everyday things could include doors that are not intuitive to open or close, kettles that are difficult to pour from, or any object that requires unnecessary complexity to use. The design should be self-explanatory and not require additional instructions for basic use. When simple things are overly complex, the whole purpose of the design is lost.
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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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