Synthesized answer
The author argues that frustration with products stems from product design that ignores user needs and principles of cognitive psychology, rather than user ineptitude [Passage 2]. The book posits that problems arise from ambiguous and hidden controls, arbitrary relationships between controls and functions, a lack of feedback or assistance, and unreasonable demands on memorization [Passage 2].
The author states that good, usable design is possible by following simple rules: make things visible, exploit natural relationships that couple function and control, and make intelligent use of constraints [Passage 2]. The ultimate goal of such design is to guide the user effortlessly to the right action on the right control at the right time [Passage 1, Passage 2]. The passages do not provide specific examples of this evidence, beyond general descriptions of design flaws and principles.
Synthesized from the book passages below. Chat with the book on Feynman for follow-up.
From the book
the right action on the right control at the right time. The Design of Everyday Things is a powerful primer on how -- and why -- some products satisfy customers while others only frustrate them. Categories: Design Pages: 370 Snippet: The goal: guide the user effortlessly to the right action on the right control at the right time. The Design of Everyday Things is a powerful primer on how -- and why -- some products satisfy customers while others only frustrate them.
Title: The Design of Everyday Things by Don Norman Description: One of the world's great designers shares his vision of "the fundamental principles of great and meaningful design", that's "even more relevant today than it was when first published" (Tim Brown, CEO, IDEO). Even the smartest among us can feel inept as we fail to figure out which light switch or oven burner to turn on, or whether to push, pull, or slide a door. The fault, argues this ingenious -- even liberating -- book, lies not in ourselves, but in product design that ignores the needs of users and the principles of cognitive…