Donald A. Norman

If people keep buying poorly designed products, manufacturers and designers will think they are doing the right thing and continue as usual.

Also note that invariably when we design something that can be used by those with disabilities, we often make it better for everyone

When you have trouble with things—whether it's figuring out whether to push or pull a door or the arbitrary vagaries of the modern computer and electronics industries—it's not your fault. Don't blame yourself: blame the designer.

User-centered design means working with your users all throughout the project.

Products were once designed for the functions they performed. But when all companies can make products that perform their functions equally well, the distinctive advantage goes to those who provide pleasure and enjoyment while maintaining the power. If functions are equated with cognition, pleasure is equated with emotion; today we want products that appeal to both cognition and emotion.

The hardest part of design ... is keeping features out.

Any time you see signs or labels added to a device, it is an indication of bad design: a simple lock should not require instructions.

What makes something simple or complex? It's not the number of dials or controls or how many features it has: It is whether the person using the device has a good conceptual model of how it operates.

Complexity is acceptable as long as it is intelligible and necessary. We want to avoid needless complications.

Technology usually provides a series of tradeoffs. Each asset is offset by a deficit...A major problem occurs when those who suffer from technology's defecits and those who benefit are not the same people.