User Friendly- How the Hidden Rules of Design Are Changing the Way We Live, Work, and Play

Description of the article « User Friendly- How the Hidden Rules of Design Are Changing the Way We Live, Work, and Play »

We now expect everything, from phones to cars to thermostats, to be easy to use. User Friendly tells the story of how that expectation came about, and what it means for the people who design the things around us.

What you'll learn

Journalist Cliff Kuang and designer Robert Fabricant trace the history of user-centred design, from early lessons in aviation and industrial accidents to the rise of personal computers and smartphones. Along the way they explain the ideas behind modern UX through stories rather than rules, and ask what happens as designed products shape more of our lives.

Who it's for

It suits anyone curious about why technology looks and works the way it does, designers and non-designers alike. It's a good gift for someone who wants to understand what UX designers do.

It's a narrative history rather than a how-to guide, so it won't teach you design techniques. For practical principles, start with The Design of Everyday Things.