Don Norman - The Three Ways That Good Design Makes You Happy

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Don Norman – The Three Ways That Good Design Makes You Happy

In “The Three Ways That Good Design Makes You Happy”, design critic Don Norman talks about what he believes to be the three most important features of design that have an emotional impact on people: visceral, behavioral, and reflective.

The visceral aspect of an object is its appearance. Norman mentions in his video a gold-plated juicer that didn't hold its purpose because the gold plating would wear away in contact with citrus. He purchased the juicer not for practical use, but for it's aesthetic characteristics. The look of an object makes people feel good about their purchase, regardless of whether it's the most useful product or not. Don Norman goes on to describe that the pleasant appearance of a product can convince you that it works better.

Behavioral qualities of an object relate to how that object makes you feel when using it. Norman gave the example of a sports car and how being in the vehicle gives you a sense of excitement and adventure. He also mentions objects that seem unique to us, like a shower that recirculates water. These things make us feel better about ourselves by building up on their special qualities.

Lastly, the reflective aspect of design makes an object memorable. Norman describes this quality as the most subconscious because it follows no pattern or particular thought. He mentions a Hummer and a man who claimed that it stood out more than any other car he had. These things make an object reflective.

Unique characteristics influence all three qualities of good design. That is why I chose my object: for it's visceral, behavioral, and reflective appeals.