The Design of Everyday Things: Revised and Expanded Edition

by Don Norman

Don Norman, a leading authority in human-centered design, demonstrates in this classic how good (and bad) design shapes our everyday lives. His core message: Products should adapt to people – not the other way around.

The book uses plenty of everyday examples to explain why things like doors, stoves, or elevators are often confusing – and how to design them better. Norman vividly introduces concepts like affordances, signifiers, and feedback. Don’t worry: he explains everything in a clear and practical way.

What sticks with you most is his concept of human-centered design – the idea that product design should always start with the user. You’ll also learn:

  • why user errors are usually design flaws,
  • how good design reduces cognitive load,
  • and what psychological principles have to do with interface design.

The book is easy to read, full of practical examples, and has a clear message: design isn’t just a nice-to-have – it’s crucial for success.

An absolute classic, first published in 1988 and still highly relevant today thanks to its comprehensive 2013 revision.

A solid recommendation for UX designers, developers, product managers – and even programmers who want to build more user-centric software. It helps you rethink interfaces and user flows from the ground up. If you’ve ever wondered why some things just work and others drive you crazy – read this book.

🎧 Suitable as an audiobook? Basically yes, but be aware that you’ll often need to check the accompanying PDF for illustrations and diagrams.

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