Errors should be made visible and easy to correct from "summary" of The Design of Everyday Things by Donald A. Norman
When something goes wrong, it should be immediately obvious what the problem is. Errors should be visible and easy to correct. This concept may seem straightforward, but it is surprising how often it is violated in the design of everyday objects. Take, for example, the case of a door that one must push to open. If the door has a handle that implies pulling, people will inevitably push when they should be pulling. This is a simple error, but it can cause frustration and embarrassment. The solution is to design the door with a handle that makes it clear which way the door opens. By making the error visible, people can quickly correct themselves and avoid any unnecessary confusion. Similarly, in the world of technology, error messages often fail to provide users with the information they need to correct their mistakes. Consider the typical computer error message that simply states, "An error has occurred." This message is not helpful because it does not explain what went wrong or how to fix it. A more effective approach would be to provide specific details about the error and offer clear instructions on how to resolve it. By making errors visible and providing users with the necessary information, designers can help users quickly identify and correct their mistakes. In addition to making errors visible, it is important to make the correction process as straightforward as possible. For example, when a person makes a mistake while typing on a smartphone, the autocorrect feature can quickly fix the error. This automatic correction saves time and effort for the user, making the overall experience more efficient and enjoyable. By designing systems that anticipate and correct errors, designers can help users navigate complex tasks with ease.- The concept that errors should be made visible and easy to correct is essential for designing user-friendly products and systems. By ensuring that errors are immediately apparent and providing clear instructions on how to fix them, designers can help users avoid frustration and confusion. This approach not only improves the user experience but also builds trust and loyalty among customers. Ultimately, by prioritizing simplicity and clarity in design, designers can create products that are intuitive, efficient, and enjoyable to use.
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