Question
Some strategies to make a design self-explanatory include making the design intuitive, such as making a pillar visible so that it's clear which side of a door is attached to a hinge. The design should indicate action by itself, without the need for manual instructions. 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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