The Invisible Computer: Why Good Products Can Fail, the Personal Computer Is so Complex, and Information Appliances Are the Solution
by Donald A. Norman
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Description
From "Science Finds, Industry Applies, Man Conforms" (motto of the 1933 Chicago USA World's Fair)--to "People Propose, Science Studies, Technology Conforms" (Donald Norman's person-centered motto for the twenty-first centuray). Technologies have a life cycle, says Donald Norman, and companies and their products must change as they pass from youth to maturity. Alas, the computer industry thinks it is still in its rebellious teenage years, exulting in technical complexity. Customers want show more change. They are ready for products that offer convenience, ease of use, and pleasure. The technology should be invisible, hidden from sight. In this book, Norman shows why the computer is so difficult to use and why this complexity is fundamental to its nature. The only answer, says Norman, is to start over again, to develop information appliances that fit people's needs and lives. To do this companies must change the way they develop products. They need to start with an understanding of people: user needs first, technology last--the opposite of how things are done now. show lessTags
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Member Reviews
Ever wanted to know why the iPods and cellphones are so successful, and why you hate your computer so much? This book has the answer. By advocating for a greater number of simpler devices in our lives, Norman bucks a trend, but he also provides a thought provoking read about where technology should go to make our lives better rather than worse.
Per quanto mi riguarda, un libro chiave per capire la necessità di rendere sempre meno "metaforiche" le interfacce grafiche dove oggi sguazzano grafici e programmatori troppo creativi e poco designer.
out of date, not much useful info. ( other than ' affordments ' )
out of date, not much useful info. ( other than ' affordments ' )
I haven't finished this book, a little bit hard to read..
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Author Information
20 Works 7,940 Members
Donald A. Norman is professor of computer science and psychology at Northwestern University and co-founder of the Nielsen Norman Group, a consulting firm that promotes human-centered products and services.
Common Knowledge
- Canonical title
- The Invisible Computer: Why Good Products Can Fail, the Personal Computer Is so Complex, and Information Appliances Are the Solution
Classifications
- Genres
- Technology, Nonfiction, Art & Design, General Nonfiction
- DDC/MDS
- 004.16 — Computer science, information & general works Computer science, knowledge & systems Computer science General works on specific types of computers Personal Computers
- LCC
- HC79 .H53 .N67 — Social sciences Economic history and conditions Economic history and conditions Special topics
- BISAC
Statistics
- Members
- 436
- Popularity
- 70,443
- Reviews
- 5
- Rating
- (3.50)
- Languages
- 5 — English, Italian, Japanese, Multiple languages, Spanish
- Media
- Paper, Ebook
- ISBNs
- 9
- ASINs
- 2
