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Don Norman, Kristian Simsarian, and Chelsey Glasson

Everyone designs. Design occurs anytime you deliberately change an environment to make things better. When you decide what seat to take in an auditorium you’re designing your experience. When you rearrange the furniture in a room or draft an email, you’re designing.

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Everyone designs. Design occurs anytime you deliberately change an environment to make things better. When you decide what seat to take in an auditorium you’re designing your experience. When you rearrange the furniture in a room or draft an email, you’re designing.

This course provides a summary of key concepts from the first two chapters of The Design of Everyday Things (Revised and Expanded Edition, November 2013) by Don Norman. It’s intended to be enjoyable and informative for anyone curious about design: everyday people, technical people, designers, and non-designers alike.

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Introduces design as a process of shaping environments to improve experiences
Provides a foundation in design principles from the classic work by Don Norman
Accessible to individuals with varying backgrounds and interests in design
Instructors Don Norman, Kristian Simsarian, and Chelsey Glasson are recognized experts in design
Can be part of a series of courses on design, potentially leading to a comprehensive understanding

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Reviews summary

Everyday things design course

The 10 Intro to the Design of Everyday Things reviews analyzed show that 80% of students recommend the course. Students found the course interesting and accessible, with useful examples, but thought it could have more examples. They also praised the course's unique and practical content.
Interesting and accessible course content.
"It is simple and understandable for beginners."
Unique and specialized course content.
"the topics of the course are TOO special that I can't find another course to replace it."
Practical course with useful insights.
"Sumamente recomendable, entretenido, práctico y útil."
Could use more examples to illustrate concepts.
"I liked how things are introduced but it needed more examples to be shown"

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Intro to the Design of Everyday Things with these activities:
Brush up on sketching
Sketching is a valuable skill for designers.
Browse courses on Sketching
Show steps
  • Find sketching exercises online or in books
  • Practice sketching regularly
  • Share your sketches with a mentor or peer for feedback
Read 'The Design of Everyday Things'
Understanding the principles of design will provide a foundational understanding for the course.
Show steps
  • Read Chapter 1: The Psychology of Everyday Things
  • Read Chapter 2: The Paradox of Technology
  • Take notes on key concepts and principles
  • Reflect on how these principles apply to your own experiences with everyday products
Find a design mentor
Mentorship can provide valuable insights and support.
Browse courses on Mentorship
Show steps
  • Identify potential mentors in your network or online
  • Reach out and express your interest in mentorship
  • Regularly meet with your mentor to discuss your work and goals
Five other activities
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Show all eight activities
Follow tutorials on Design Thinking
Design Thinking is a core concept in the course, and tutorials will provide practical guidance.
Browse courses on Design Thinking
Show steps
  • Find tutorials on Design Thinking from reputable sources
  • Watch the tutorials and take notes
  • Apply the principles to a real-world problem
Practice design exercises
Regular practice will improve your design thinking skills.
Browse courses on Problem Solving
Show steps
  • Find design exercises online or in books
  • Complete the exercises and analyze your results
  • Seek feedback from a mentor or peer
Join a design community
Connecting with other designers will provide support and learning opportunities.
Browse courses on Networking
Show steps
  • Find online or local design communities
  • Attend meetups or workshops
  • Engage in discussions and share your work
Create a design portfolio
A portfolio will demonstrate your design skills and help you stand out.
Show steps
  • Gather your best design work
  • Create a website or online platform to showcase your work
  • Share your portfolio with potential employers or clients
Develop a design prototype
Creating a prototype will help you test and refine your design ideas.
Browse courses on User Interface
Show steps
  • Define the problem and user needs
  • Brainstorm and sketch different solutions
  • Build a low-fidelity or high-fidelity prototype
  • Test the prototype with users and gather feedback

Career center

Learners who complete Intro to the Design of Everyday Things will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Visual Designer
Visual designers create visual concepts for a variety of media, including print, web, and mobile. They must have a strong understanding of design principles, as well as the ability to use a variety of software programs. This course can help you develop the skills you need to be a successful visual designer. For example, the course covers topics such as how to create effective layouts, how to choose the right typography, and how to use color theory.
Graphic designer
Graphic designers create visual concepts for a variety of media, including print, web, and mobile. They must have a strong understanding of design principles, as well as the ability to use a variety of software programs. This course can help you develop the skills you need to be a successful graphic designer. For example, the course covers topics such as how to create effective layouts, how to choose the right typography, and how to use color theory.
Interaction Designer
Interaction designers design the user experience for a variety of products and services, including websites, mobile apps, and software applications. They must have a strong understanding of human-computer interaction principles, as well as the ability to use a variety of design tools. This course can help you develop the skills you need to be a successful interaction designer. For example, the course covers topics such as how to design for different types of users, how to create effective user interfaces, and how to test and iterate on your designs.
Web Designer
Web designers create the visual appearance and layout of websites. They must have a strong understanding of design principles, as well as the ability to use a variety of software programs. This course can help you develop the skills you need to be a successful web designer. For example, the course covers topics such as how to create effective layouts, how to choose the right typography, and how to use color theory.
UX Designer
UX designers design the user experience for a variety of products and services, including websites, mobile apps, and software applications. They must have a strong understanding of human-computer interaction principles, as well as the ability to use a variety of design tools. This course can help you develop the skills you need to be a successful UX designer. For example, the course covers topics such as how to design for different types of users, how to create effective user interfaces, and how to test and iterate on your designs.
Creative Director
Creative directors oversee the creative vision of a company or organization. They are responsible for developing and implementing creative strategies, and for managing a team of creative professionals. This course can help you develop the skills you need to be a successful creative director. For example, the course covers topics such as how to brainstorm ideas, how to develop a creative brief, and how to manage a creative team.
Industrial Designer
Industrial designers design products that are both functional and aesthetically pleasing. They must consider factors such as ergonomics, materials, and manufacturing processes. This course can help you understand the basic principles of design, which can be applied to industrial design. For example, the course covers topics such as the importance of user-centered design and how to design for different types of users. This knowledge can be valuable for industrial designers, who need to be able to design products that are both functional and appealing to users.
Design Engineer
Design engineers apply engineering principles to the design of products and systems. They must consider factors such as cost, functionality, and aesthetics. This course can help you understand the basic principles of design, which can be applied to design engineering. For example, the course covers topics such as the importance of user-centered design and how to design for different types of users. This knowledge can be valuable for design engineers, who need to be able to design products that are both functional and appealing to users.
Product Designer
Product designers design the physical products that we use every day. They must consider factors such as ergonomics, materials, and manufacturing processes. This course can help you understand the basic principles of design, which can be applied to product design. For example, the course covers topics such as the importance of user-centered design and how to design for different types of users. This knowledge can be valuable for product designers, who need to be able to design products that are both functional and appealing to users.
Interior designer
Interior designers create the interior spaces of buildings. They must consider factors such as function, aesthetics, and space planning. This course can help you understand the basic principles of design, which can be applied to interior design. For example, the course covers topics such as the importance of user-centered design and how to design for different types of users. This knowledge can be valuable for interior designers, who need to be able to design spaces that are both functional and appealing to users.
Technical Writer
Technical writers create documentation for a variety of products and services, including software, hardware, and medical devices. They must be able to clearly and concisely explain complex technical information to a variety of audiences. This course can help you develop the skills you need to be a successful technical writer. For example, the course covers topics such as how to organize and structure your writing, how to write for different audiences, and how to use effective visuals.
Architect
Architects plan and design buildings and other structures. They must consider factors such as aesthetics, functionality, and safety. This course can help you understand the basic principles of design, which can be applied to architecture. For example, the course covers topics such as the importance of user-centered design and how to design for different types of users. This knowledge can be valuable for architects, who need to be able to design buildings that are both functional and appealing to users.
Landscape Architect
Landscape architects design the outdoor spaces of buildings and other structures. They must consider factors such as aesthetics, functionality, and sustainability. This course can help you understand the basic principles of design, which can be applied to landscape architecture. For example, the course covers topics such as the importance of user-centered design and how to design for different types of users. This knowledge can be valuable for landscape architects, who need to be able to design spaces that are both functional and appealing to users.
Entrepreneur
Entrepreneurs start and run their own businesses. They must have a strong understanding of business principles, as well as the ability to identify and seize opportunities. This course can help you develop the skills you need to be a successful entrepreneur. For example, the course covers topics such as how to develop a business plan, how to raise capital, and how to market your products or services.
Software Engineer
Software engineers design and develop computer software. They must have a strong understanding of computer science principles, as well as the ability to use a variety of programming languages and software tools. This course can help you develop the skills you need to be a successful software engineer. For example, the course covers topics such as how to design software architectures, how to write efficient code, and how to test and debug your software.

Reading list

We've selected 15 books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Intro to the Design of Everyday Things.
Is the basis for the course. It covers the basic principles of design, with a focus on everyday objects. It classic work on the subject and is essential reading for anyone interested in design.
Provides a comprehensive overview of design thinking, a human-centered approach to problem-solving. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn more about the design process.
Explores the role of emotion in design. It fascinating read for anyone who wants to understand how design can affect our emotions.
Presents a set of universal principles of design that can be applied to any design project. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to improve their design skills.
Provides practical advice on how to make websites and other digital products more user-friendly. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to improve the usability of their designs.
Explores the psychological principles that underlie everyday design. It fascinating read for anyone who wants to understand how design can affect our behavior.
Is written by one of the pioneers of the Macintosh computer, and explores the relationship between humans and computers.
Is written by a design historian, and provides a historical perspective on the relationship between humans and objects.
Comprehensive guide to research methods in design, and provides a useful overview of the field.
Provides a practical guide to design thinking, and is useful for those who want to learn how to apply design thinking to their own work.

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