When considering how to bridge the two assigned readings this week I was left wondering how they interconnect aside from both bringing to light instances of good and bad design. In “Chapter 4: Fun and Games”, Norman encourages us to “delight in the experience” claiming that “technology…should add richness and enjoyment” to our lives (pg 101). Meanwhile Vicente’s Chapter 3 continues to outline the mismatches between technologies and the humans meant to operate them. While the overlap may be a stretch I think the concept of “flow” speaks well to both chapters.
Flow is defined as a “transformed state”, a “detached state of consciousness, in which you are aware only of the moment, of the activity and of the sheer enjoyment.” (Norman page 125) The state of flow attained while engrossed in a movie or listening to classical music may be equally as engrossing and satisfying as operating a finely tuned Fender Strat or a carefully designed aircraft. When distractions are minimized enjoyment and fulfillment peak and the individual is in a positive affect. We know from our previous readings that positive affect leads to more openness and creativity.
While I’d be hard pressed to make a case for “flow” and the maximization of fulfillment when using the example of the toilet-paper dispenser, the point is well made that “if designer would fit the design to the physical characteristics of the human hand… well you know.
Seriously, designers are not likely to stay up late to redesign the toilet paper dispenser nor the “lathe for extraterrestrials” until there are grave consequences attached to ignoring the human chink in the armor. Flow itself is the human condition of being wholly involved and engrossed in an experience. “The real trick—and where most products fail – is in maintaining the relationship after the initial burst of enthusiasm.” (Norman page 111) From both readings it is clear that the lasting relationship between a product and its audience depends on the product fulfilling its purpose in a satisfying manner even after continual use.
Flow was not present in WWII aircrafts, and airline pilots were distracted by counter intuitive designs in their cockpits to disastrous ends. Upon investigation, Pilots’ statements indicated “a long list of cockpit deficiencies indicating an incredibly bad fit between pilots and the complex technology they were struggling to control.” (Vicente page 73) “Because we tend to look inward, reflecting on our bodily selves rather than outward at the design of the technology around us, we don’t realize that our apparent shortcomings aren’t necessarily signs of human frailty”.(Vicente page 66)
Our interactions with technology need to enhance our experiences as well as enable them. It is counter-productive to not consider the human factor in design. The ease of interfacing with technology is enhanced when infusing fun and enjoyment into our everyday interactions.
