Book Reading #4 - Emotional Design

References:
Title: Emotional Design
Author: Donald Norman
Editor: Jo Ann Miller, New York, 2004.

Summary:
In this book, Norman describes how the designs of products can positively or negatively impact our perceptions before we even use them. He describes these influences as three different levels -- visceral, behavioral, and reflective.

The visceral level is influenced by the look and feel of the product. This level occurs before a user begins to use the product, and can put them in a positive mindset which can make the product "work" better.

The behavioral level is influenced by how well the product works. This level occurs as the user makes use of the product, and is slightly affected by the performance at the lower level. This level has been well described in Norman's other books.

The reflective level is influenced by the remembrances of the product. This level occurs far after the usage of the device; a positive influence here can bring the user back to use the product again if it works correctly.

With each of these in the book, Norman goes into significant detail of what influences each of these levels, as well as general design tips.

Discussion:
In general, like his last book, I liked this book because of how much I learned. However, after reading his last book he seems like less of a sage in this one, mostly because of how he seems to often reuse tips he as already given.

However, because the focus of this class is on design, I think that this along with the other design books by Norman are the most important books in this class. Following these design concepts well can help us make good products far down the road.

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