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Human-Centered Design
The psychology of everyday things
Usability is just as important as aesthetics.
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If i was put inside the cockpit of a modern-day aircraft, my inability to perform well is a question without proper training and interest. But on the other side, I should not be having any trouble in operating doors, light switches, water faucets, and stoves the things which i interact every day. But there are at certain instances we do face some trouble opening doors. I mean we sometimes push doors that are required to be pulled, pull doors that need to be pushed and walk into the doors which neither pull nor push but are meant for sliding. There are similar troubles faced by others, which are unnecessary. But we have to understand how a simple thing as a door is so confusing.
The function of the door is to either open it or shut it. If i am approaching the door and get a question? If i need to push or pull, left or right, if the door slides and on which side. The door's design should indicate how it works without any need of signs and also without any Trial and error. The most important characteristics of good design are discoverability and understanding.
Discoverability is nothing but is it possible that the user can figure out what actions are possible and where and how to perform them?