Final Thoughts - User Centred Design - ePortfolio Chunk 12

Norman - Chapter 7 - The Future of Everyday Things

The way in which Norman discusses the uses of 3-D printers is worrisome as I feel it encourages a 'throw-away' mentality - readily available, readily disposable.  Although I imagine there are many justifiable and perhaps even noble uses for a 3-D printer, conjuring up additional dinner plates for guests doesn't make the cut in my book.  On the other hand, the video clip that we watched in class showing tissue replacement was absolutely amazing.  I think that one problem that I have (had) with 3-D printers is that I had not conception of how they worked.  I was happy to see the demonstration as it helped me to make sense of the process.  However, I still have questions - would there need to be a number of different 3-D printers, based on the product?  It seems hard to believe that a machine specialized enough to create human tissue could also create a set of dishes!  (I know, I have much to learn!)

Couldn't resist ... don't you just love Google?  

Memorable quotes for me to take away:  

On intelligent home appliances:  "For these devices, the common ground required for interaction consists of our mutual understanding of the tasks they are designed to perform, the strengths and limitations of their abilities, and the environment they work in" (p. 164). 

"Design: The deliberate shaping of the environment in ways that satisfy individual and societal needs" (p. 171). 

"Designers must be generalists who can innovate across disciplines" (p. 172). 

"We need a new approach, one that combines the precision and rigor of business and engineering, the understanding of social interactions, and the aesthetics of the arts" (p. 173). 

"Smart machines are all about interaction, symbiosis, and cooperation, both with people and with other smart machines" (p. 173). 

And with that, I think the well has run dry.  Thank you so much for a meaningful and memorable learning experience over the past two terms, Michele.  I greatly admire the way in which you interact with students and structure such an inviting learning environment in which all voices are heard.  

In the words of Calvin & Hobbes, "Well, you've done all you can do" ... all the best, Michele!