The Design Challenge
Norman's chapter emphasizes the importance of simplifying the use of new products for the consumers through its instructional design. The many evolution of the typewriter and computer, among other designs of machines, is a prime example of this simplification process. From its complicated arrival to its easily followed instruction designs, (however, the type- writer is pretty obsolete) the computer has moved into millions of homes claiming it's vital and necessary status in the everyday function of these homes. Us consumers have become dependent on these neat machines because it caters to humans as learners. The computer's simple instructional design has allow the general consumer to maximize the usage of its capability and functions with ease and efficiency. Building a user friendly product is a major component in determining the successfulness of the product, while also enhancing the cognitive learning process for its consumer. With the advent of technology, instructional designs must correspond to these machine, a crucial aspect to how we learn and comprehend.
posted by tawn @ 12:15 AM
3 Comments:
I think the point that you make about the importance of instructional design corresponding to the ability of its users to learn and comprehend more effectively is very valid. While Norman's article didn't focus on learning specifically, it is clear, given the content of this course, that that is a worthy and very realistic goal that should be (and I would argue, is) considered when approaching technological design.
Graphical interfaces have definitely made computers easier to run - but I don't know if I'd go so far as to call the computer's design simple... By now, so much about computers is second nature, but the creation of schemas surrounding the computer has taken years in the making. I've seen older men and woman get introduced to computers, and it doesn't seem so intuitive to them. Actually, as a PC person forced to use a MAC in class - I often find myself wondering how to complete a task that comes naturally to me with a PC.
It is fascinating to see the progress made with technology...how far we've come and how much more there is to develop. You are right in thinking that instructional designs must correspond with technology. So many products and websites are still hard to use but I definitely have noticed more of a focus towards improving things for the user. I guess just the fact that "user-friendly" is a familiar term to most people now demonstates there is more of a focus in this area now.
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