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Emotional Design
272 pages, 2005
New research on emotion and cognition has revealed the tremendous impact of emotion on our willingness to purchase a wide array of products. Donald Norman's Emotional Design, the first book to address the role that emotional attraction plays in design, amply demonstrates the profound influence of the feelings that objects evoke.
Drawing on examples of everyday objects as well as expensive items like Gucci bags and Rolex watches, Norman explores the connection between emotion and products.
In Emotional Design, Don Norman explores the profound impact of emotions on our interactions with everyday objects. He argues that good design isn't just about functionality, but also about making users feel good. So, next time you're frustrated with a poorly designed object, remember it's not just about how it works, but also how it makes you feel.
Don Norman introduces us to the three levels of design: visceral, behavioral, and reflective. The visceral level is all about initial impressions, the behavioral level focuses on the usability of the product, and the reflective level is about the overall meaning and personal impact of the product. This book will make you see design in a whole new light.
Norman emphasizes the importance of aesthetics in design. He believes that attractive things work better, as they create positive emotions, leading to better problem-solving and creativity. So, don't underestimate the power of a beautiful design, it's not just about looking good, it's about performing better too.
He also stresses the need for designers to consider both emotion and usability in their work. A product that's easy to use but emotionally unappealing won't be successful, and neither will a product that's emotionally appealing but difficult to use. It's all about finding the right balance.
Emotional Design will make you rethink the way you interact with the world around you. It's not just about products, but also about how design influences our daily lives and emotions. So, take a look at the objects around you, and you might just find yourself seeing them in a whole new light.
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Emotional Design by Don Norman is a must-read for anyone who wants to understand the profound impact design can have on our emotional responses.
Tim Brown - Design ThinkingNorman's Emotional Design is a groundbreaking exploration of how we interact with the world around us, and how design influences those interactions.
Bruce Nussbaum - Design JournalismEmotional Design is a revelation. It's a masterclass in understanding the role of emotion in design, delivered by one of the field's true pioneers, Don Norman.
Bill Buxton - Computer ScientistDon Norman's Emotional Design is a powerful reminder of the critical role emotion plays in truly effective design.
Paola Antonelli - Art CuratorEmotional Design is a seminal work that will forever change how we think about design. Don Norman's insights are not just profound, they're necessary.
John Maeda - Graphic Designer