The Design of Everyday Things
Being someone who realizes that if we know the history behind computers and application development then we are in a better place for future application development initiatives, I thought this was a great article. I like the metaphor of the computer being a chameleon, changing shape and outward appearance to match the situation hence the goal of developing a website, to create an environment where the computer seems invisible. I would think that if you design properly, with cognitive load in mind, and balance audio, graphics, text, illustrations, then you should be able to create an environment where the user is "actually using a computer, but feels as if they are using an appointment calendar;" however, how can you best measure that you've accomplished that. More and more I realize that there is always room for improvement as you develop, at what point do you say, I've created an environment that is effective? or is the goal to constantly seek feedback since both technology and work processes that need technology are in a continuous pace of change?
posted by Casilda Beltre @ 6:34 AM
4 Comments:
Thanks for letting us post comments - very cool of you. I work online with my own home based business website. Check it out if you get the chance. Thanks again!
I really like your comment questioning when something can be considered effective and, in essence, complete. Especially with the looming date of our final sites needing to be completed, I keep thinking that I'll never be done by then - mostly because I feel like there is always something that can worked on or improved. It's interesting to thing of a website that has sort of become an internet institution (e.g. - Amazon, Ebay, Google) and wonder how many people must be working to continually monitor and improve user satisafaction with the site and its design.
Casilda,
I shudder to think that there will ever be rest for the weary...web designer. There is an expression that says "you cannot please everybody". While most websites cater to a specific audience, there are usually a large number of people who have differing opinions and desires. Obviously the ones who share input, thoughts and feedback on design and usability are the ones who frequent the site. So making changes around their needs would be in the best interest of the instructor/company. They may have conflicting needs though and it is up to the designer, or the one with the purse strings, to decide whether the organization or program is going to try to please opposing sides or choose one and run with it.
"there is always room for improvement as you develop, at what point do you say, I've created an environment that is effective?"
This is a good way of thinking about designing a project. When designing a project keep in mind all the aspects users needs and existing knowledge but at the same time keep the design flexible enough so that you can change it according to user feedback so as to be more effective.
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