If people keep buying poorly designed products, manufacturers and designers will think they are doing the right thing and continue as usual.
Donald A. NormanRead
Products were once designed for the functions they performed. But when all companies can make products that perform their functions equally well, the distinctive advantage goes to those who provide pleasure and enjoyment while maintaining the power. If functions are equated with cognition, pleasure is equated with emotion; today we want products that appeal to both cognition and emotion.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote emphasizes the importance of emotional appeal in product design amidst equal functional capabilities.
In today's market, where many products perform similar functions, the key to standing out lies in creating experiences that resonate emotionally with consumers. Donald A. Norman highlights that successful products should not only fulfill cognitive expectations through functionality but also engage users on an emotional level, blending both aspects to achieve a deeper connection with the audience.
Themes
DesignEmotionProductFunctionExperience
In practice
Example use cases
In a marketing presentation to emphasize the emotional connections that brands can create.
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All quotes →Also note that invariably when we design something that can be used by those with disabilities, we often make it better for everyone
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