Book Reading #8 - Living with Complexity

References:
Title: Living with Complexity
Author: Donald A. Norman
Editor: Julie Norman, 2011

Summary:
In this book, Donald Norman attempts to support complexity in our daily lives -- at least, when complexity is actually necessary.

He begins by discussing the double standard we have with complexity. In many older devices like musical instruments, we accept the complexity required to operate them -- especially if we are exposed when young. An example he uses is violins versus keyboards. Both have caused repetitive stress injuries to people who have used them, but people haven't sued violin companies over it, while people have sued keyboard makers.

Then, he discusses the psychological influences behind our perceptions of complexity. He mentions that often, an increase in outer simplicity leads to an increase in inner complexity. Furthermore, even though we often talk about how we like simplicity, devices with more features, and thus more complexity, actually sell better. He also talks about how even simple devices can become complex when there is a lack of standardization. For example, locks are simple devices, but since which direction is locked and unlocked isn't standardized, remembering which way to turn the lock is actually quite hard.

Finally, he briefly discusses how social influences can affect complexity. He shows how observing how someone uses an unknown device can assist you in learning it correctly. However, if they have a poor idea of how the device works their influence can be harmful.

Discussion:
This book was interesting because I find it odd that Norman is, in a way, stepping back from his early stances on design. In his early books, he seems to decry any complexity in devices, but in his last two we read, he seems to be far more accepting of small amounts of complexity in device designs.

I was also intrigued by the double standard he illustrated behind how people describe devices. I can't talk to anyone without hearing how today's devices are too complicated, but when device makers show more minimalist designs, they don't sell. I actually like maximum functionality when I buy things, and then just accept the cost of the learning curve.

(Image courtesy of: Hussman Funds)