Reading #3

Norman talks about the necessity of simplicity in writing and designing. I think that he has many valid points that should be heeded. It is better for a writer to make things easier to understand, less complex and not so difficult to grasp the concepts and ideas in his/her writing(or program). He argues that it is for the greater good for an author/designer to go to the trouble of making their writings/programs easier to understand because many people have to read or use their writing/program. If they do the work then the reader/user won't have to work so hard. This will eliminate a lot of wasted time, effort and misinterpretations if ideas are not easily interpreted.

Norman goes on to discuss the fact that many writers/designers think that unless something is not complex then it is not profound. If the readers/users do not take the time to understand something then they don't reserve the right to understand/use the writings/programs. I agree with Norman that simiplicity is the answer. I have read a few books that explain complex ideas in understandable terms and I think that just because you make something easy to understand doesn't make you loose the value of the idea, in fact it helps you to appreciate it even more.

A perfect example of how beneficial simplicity of writings/programs can be is the Ipod. The Ipod is the best selling mp3 player out there. Many people don't even know too much about the other options. True, there are a few other mp3 players that are getting a little more attention now, but overall the Ipod rules. And why does it rule? It's because of it's user-friendliness. The designers of the Ipod had the users in mind while designing, and it shows. If every desinger/writer took as much time in making things more simple, then their programs/writings would gain more appreciation.