Book Reading #51 - Living With Complexity

Chapter 1: Why Is Complexity Necessary
Summary:
This chapter starts by talking about how when something seems confusing but the user understands it greatly is called 'underlying structure'. The most important thing in this chapter was the author's distinction between complexity and complicated. Complex things exist because our lives are very complex. There is no easy way to make the cockpit control panel for a jet because it is requires very complex technology. These complex things can be designed to be understandable through design to users who are trained to use them. Many examples are given of things that are complex and require time to master and understand the complexity. Bad design can leave both simple and complex things complicated and overwhelming.

Discussion:
When I first started reading this chapter I was confused because it was like he was trying to justify bad design which contradicted all of his other books we've read. Then he discussed the difference between complexity and complicated and it all made sense.

Chapter 2: Simplicity is in the Mind 
Summary:
Conceptual models are very important because it is  how we think something works. The more complex the task the better the conceptual model needs to be. To make things simpler in the world today we need to do more than make fewer buttons and displays on our designs, we need to understand the system and how it works and make sure learning and usage optimal. The author suggests many people misunderstand this simplicity that is desired. People like features in their lives and sometimes to have many features complexity is necessary. This complexity is manageable though with good design and can provide good usability.

Discussion:
I think the idea of conceptual models fits well with Norman's description about complexity. The need for people to understand the tradeoff between using something that is complex and something that is simple needs to be understood more. Our lives are very complex so sometimes to get what we need using something might be complex as well. The design is what decides if it is confusing or not.