The Design of Everyday Things

Everything you use is designed by someone. When it is done well, it gives pleasure. When done badly, it causes grief, frustration and anger. Worse, it can lead to error, to accidents, and to severe cost in dollars or lives. What is the role that designers play in making sure that the stuff we use is effective, functional, usable, and pleasurable?

And while we are at it, let’s critique those horrible designs that cause so much trouble! The bottom line is that when you have trouble working something, it isn’t your fault: it is the fault of the design.

Science Cafe Evanston is an informal event where, for the price of a cup of coffee or a glass of wine, anyone can come to explore the latest ideas in science and technology. This month's event features Don Norman, design expert and co-director of MMM program, Northwestern's dual degree MBA + engineering program that emphasizes design and operations.