From: cyberoid@stein.u.washington.edu (Robert Jacobson)
Subject: PUB: Toward Human-Centered Design, Donald Norman, TECH REVIEW, Jul 93
Date: 13 Jun 1993 11:13:51 GMT
Organization: WORLDESIGN, Seattle



Donald Norman, Apple Fellow and well-known design psychologist, has
published an excerpt from his new book, THINGS THAT MAKE US SMART, in
the current (July 1993) issue of MIT's TECHNOLOGY REVIEW.  Entitled,
"Toward Human-Centered Design," the selection focuses on information-
technology design issues:

	Today's technology is increasingly centered around
	information.  Because information is essentially
	invisible and information-processing machines have
	no moving parts, they have no natural way of show-
	ing their operation to us.  We are entirely 
	dependent on the skills of the designers to present
	us with an intelligible, humane means of interact-
	ing with and understanding the information that the
	systems provide.

	The good news is that these machines can take on
	whatever appearance and mode of operation are best
	suited for their users.  For the first time in his-
	tory, we are truly free to make machines that fit
	human needs, independent of mechanical constraints.

A fine article filled with fascinating anecdotes about the way
information technologies have worked so far, and how they can work
better.  Highly relevant to the designers of virtual worlds and the
technologists who support their work.

The same issue of TECH REVIEW has a cover article by Seymour Papert 
on computers as "learning machines" and two overviews on industrial
policy as it affects innovation and development.

Bob Jacobson