Readings for week 1: Norman chapters 1-2 (pp. 1-54)
March 6 Introduction: history of design and user issues
History section of project due
March 8 Discuss reading. Technical section of project assigned.
Prepare for next week's design exercise.
Readings for week 2: Norman chapters 3-5 (pp. 55-140)
Team exercise: "Design workshop." Each team will bring in an object that (in your opinion) has a design flaw and suggest ways to improve its design, using ideas from the reading. You may choose any type of object: an everyday item such as a clock radio, an architectural feature such as an elevator, or a more complex technology such as the Space Shuttle.
Each day, half the teams will present their objects and the other teams will critique the design suggestions, pointing out possible problems. In your critique you should refer to the ideas presented in the reading and consider factors such as usability, cost, technical feasibility, and appearance. The teams presenting the objects will then have a chance to respond to these criticisms.
March 13 Design workshop: presentations by teams 1-5; critique by teams 6-10
March 15 Design workshop: presentations by teams 6-10; critique by teams 1-5
*** SPRING BREAK: MARCH 18-26 ***
Readings for week 3: Norman chapters 6-7 (pp. 141-217)
March 27 Discuss reading
March 29 Discuss design issues as they relate to team projects
Technical section of project due