Reference Information
Title: Things That Make Us Smart
Author: Donald A. Norman
Editors: Broadway Books (1993)
Chapter 1: A Human-Centered Technology (16 Pages)
Summary
In this chapter Norman discusses how technology should be more human-centric. Technology can aid people but also make them dumb. In addition, it can be shackling. He finds that some technology that is meant to aid people often confuses them more and interferes with their thought processes.
He talks about two sciences: hard and soft. Hard relies on accurate measurements and soft relies on observation and classification. Norman also talks about two types of cognition: experimental and reflective. Experimental is a state in which people reach quickly and reflective requires thought and decision-making.
In this chapter Norman discusses how technology should be more human-centric. Technology can aid people but also make them dumb. In addition, it can be shackling. He finds that some technology that is meant to aid people often confuses them more and interferes with their thought processes.
He talks about two sciences: hard and soft. Hard relies on accurate measurements and soft relies on observation and classification. Norman also talks about two types of cognition: experimental and reflective. Experimental is a state in which people reach quickly and reflective requires thought and decision-making.
Chapter 2: Experiencing the World (24 Pages)
Summary
Norman begins by talking about museums. Museums are intended to inform their visitors but in reality, actually do very little to teach them. He then goes on to talk about experimental and reflective cognition some more. Norman states that there needs to be a balance between experimental and reflective cognition rather than forcing users to be on an extreme. There are three types of learning that he discuss: accretion, tuning and restructuring (reflective). Accretion is the accumulation of facts, tuning is the practicing of a skill and becoming an expert, and restructuring is where one forms the right conceptual model.
Discussion
I liked what Norman talked about in regards to having a balance in the use of technology. Technology for the sake of technology just becomes distracting. Only when it gets abstracted and properly integrated is it useful. Chapter 2 sounded a lot like the last 2 books of his... blah...
Norman begins by talking about museums. Museums are intended to inform their visitors but in reality, actually do very little to teach them. He then goes on to talk about experimental and reflective cognition some more. Norman states that there needs to be a balance between experimental and reflective cognition rather than forcing users to be on an extreme. There are three types of learning that he discuss: accretion, tuning and restructuring (reflective). Accretion is the accumulation of facts, tuning is the practicing of a skill and becoming an expert, and restructuring is where one forms the right conceptual model.
Discussion
I liked what Norman talked about in regards to having a balance in the use of technology. Technology for the sake of technology just becomes distracting. Only when it gets abstracted and properly integrated is it useful. Chapter 2 sounded a lot like the last 2 books of his... blah...
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