Book Reading #50 - Why We Make Mistakes

Chapter 12: We’ Don’t Constrain Ourselves
Summary:
This chapter was about constraints and accordance in design. It described how these two things are very important in aspects such as safety. The medical field and Navy were used as examples to show how constraints and accordance are used for safety. Physical constraints are not the only problem we face, the author discussed attitudes in these two fields mixed with design constraints and how it affects safety.

Discussion: 
I already understood the ideas behind this chapter about constraints and accordance but it was interesting to see more examples on how they affect our lives. I thought the medical examples with mix ups was really bad and do not understand how that has been handled that way for so long.  I thought the section about attitude was interesting especially with the example with the medical field and the Navy. I was kind of shocked at the results of how many people would speak up if something was wrong in the medical field.  I was also angry with the doctor at the end who was really ignorant and did not want to listen to anybody else.

Chapter 13: The Grass Does Look Greener
Summary:
This chapter is about how most people overlook the larger consequences in life and just realize the little ones. The example used is moving to California and how people love the weather but do not consider cost of living or commute time. This leads us to focus on the wrong expectations and how they shape our future happiness. In the book these are described as things that are easily observed and we give too much attention too. 

Discussion:
This chapter was different because it did not talk about anything related to design. It mainly talked about the way humans think and how our happiness is effected. 

Conclusion
Summary:
The conclusion of the book sums up the ways we can avoid making errors in our lives. Correcting our ways is very important in cases such as overconfidence. Thinking negatively can help us see some of the consequences of our actions and maybe save us from making bad decisions. Letting several people proof read something can help greatly. Happy people are less prone to errors because they are more creative. Money is a powerful influence and usually does not help to eliminate mistakes. Use your time wisely and take advantage of what you can, don't expect something that you can't get.  


Discussion: 
I liked this because it was a quick recap of some of the ways to prevent errors. I especially liked the very last paragraph where it talks about the currency of life. It says if you live in Texas don't expect to find a great bagel as you would in New York but instead learn to love the things that Texas offers such as rodeos because you will be happier.