Design of Future Things Ch. 3

The Design of Future Things
Chapter 2
Donald Norman
Editors:

Summary:

The author begins the chapter by addressing the problem of communication between humans and machines. The author does not like the fact that machines predominantly communicate to their users through loud noises or flashing lights. This becomes a problem when many machines are giving signals to the user at the same time, preventing the user to be unable to react to the machines in an appropriate time. The author suggests that this problem can be alleviated by having the machine emit and ambient sound that would gradually increase in volume as the machine gets closer to failing.

According to the author, machines should exhibit features that humans can easily identify and use. This allows users to be able to interact with machines without needing an explanation beforehand. When a user is familiar with more aspects of the machine then the machine should grant more control to the user. On the other hand, if a user is unfamilar with several aspects of the machine then the machine should have more control than the user. Users should be able to determine the balance of control between machines and themselves through the use of "playbooks". These playbooks would determine what operations the user has control over and what operations the machine should handle. Users should be able to adjust these playbooks so that they know exactly what their responsibilities are as well as the responsibilities of the machine. The machine should also display the current playbook to the user so that the user never has to guess what responsibilities they have.

The author then comments on the fact that modern machines have almost entirely removed the risk factor out of most situations. The risk component of these situations can actually make operations more safe due to the fact that operators will take less risks when there is more at stake.

Discussion:

This reading is significant because it addresses the information overload that can occur when a person uses too many machines simultaneously. This is an important problem when devices need to communicate to the user. However, I do not think that an ambient sound coming from all of the devices that I am operating is the best idea. I would prefer a system where the user is able to adjust what types of warning noises are generated in what types of situations and at what volume. I think that this reading's ideas can be applied to systems where there is a delicate balance of power between the machine and the user. Some examples may be autopilots on airplanes. The pilot should be able to see at all times what operations the autopilot is handling and what operations the autopilot expects the pilot to handle.