Product Description
In Things That Make Us Smart, Donald A. Norman explores the complex interaction between human thought and the technology it creates, arguing for the development of machines that fit our minds, rather than minds that must conform to the machine. Humans have always worked with objects to extend our cognitive powers, from counting on our fingers to designing massive supercomputers. But advanced technology does more than merely assist with thought and memorythe machines we create begin to shape how we think and, at times, even what we value. Norman, in exploring this complex relationship between humans and machines, gives us the first steps towards demanding a person-centered redesign of the machines that surround our lives.
From the Author
People propose, science studies, technology conformsThis is my favorite book. So, if you liked "The Psychology of Everyday Things (or the paperback version entitled "The Design of Everyday Things"), or "Turn Signals Are the Facial Expressions of Automobiles," then you should also like this one.
The theme of the book is that tehcnology can indeed enhance human intelligence, but only if it is properly built to fit human abilities and needs. Alas, all too often it isn't. All too often it is people who must conform to the technology. The proper way is, of course, for technology to conform to people.
I review everything from science museums (except for the San Francisco Exploratorium, I have a pretty low opinion of them) to voice-mail answering systems (ugh). With a sense of humour (well, you have to be the judge), and with the aim of providing constructive criticism.
I try to be a fan of technology: too bad the technologists get in the way.