What is the importance of cognitive science in design?

Cognitive science plays a crucial role in design as it helps in understanding how users perceive, think, and understand the design. It aids in creating designs that are intuitive and easy to use, reducing the need for explicit instructions. For instance, a well-designed door or kettle should not require instructions to push or pull; the design itself should indicate the action. When designs are overly complex, they can lose their purpose, as users may struggle to understand how to interact with them. Therefore, cognitive science can help designers create more user-friendly and effective designs.

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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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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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