The goal of human-centered design is to tame complexity

“The world is complex, and so too must be the activities that we perform. But that doesn’t mean that we must live in continual frustration. No. The whole point of human-centered design is to tame complexity, to turn what would appear to be a complicated tool into one that fits the task, that is understandable, usable, enjoyable.” – Don Norman

Read Don’s article “Simplicity Is Not The Answer” for his thoughts on why simplicity should not necessarily be the primary goal when creating products and services.

1. Design things that maintain the pleasure of accomplishment
2. We need to build products that bring joy and excitement to people’s lives
3. In the end, simplicity for its own sake should not be the goal
4. There is a delicate balance between the simplicity of use and the complexity of usefulness
5. Qualities of an exemplary user experience