Summary
A comparison of machine oriented versus human oriented design is presented. Norman argues for the increasing of human centered design rather than machine oriented methods. Cognition is explored in terms of experiential and reflective cognition. One of these leads to reaction to events and the other to comparisons and decision making.
Discussion
This seems to point out the obvious, that humans are subject to emotion and aren't the perfect thing to interact with. System should take this into account and build in flexibility so that human emotional responses can be handled.
Chapter Two
Summary
This chapter focuses on the different types of cognition and learning. The different learning styles are expressed as accretion, tuning, and restructuring. The first is useful in discovering and capturing information, the second in becoming an expert, and the third on refining understanding. Various methods for dealing with each type of cognition are explored as well.
Discussion
The discussions of improving learning or educational styles was very interesting. I don't agree with Norman's ideas that motivations like video games can successfully increase learning or educational efforts. It seems like people learn out of necessity more than anything else.
Chapter Three
Summary
The different representations of information in the world are explored. Norman focuses on the types of cognition that are inspired from various types of representations. The difference of the represented world and the representing world is discussed.
Discussion
Representations are highly important to the navigation and understanding of an environment. Humans have a great capacity for identifying these symbols and parsing them into cognitive understanding. This chapter did a good job of highlighting this process.
Chapter Four
Summary
This chapter expresses that all humans interpret artifacts in different ways. Concepts like internal vs surface representations and passive vs active artifacts are explored. Emphasis of confusion of artifacts was given.
Discussion
It seems difficult to design for a universal user when considering cognitive artifacts. Cultural divides and differences will effect the user's understanding of these artifacts. This leads me to believe that many of our attempts to universalize design concepts may be flawed.
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