Natural Mapping

In the book The Design of Everyday Things author Don Norman uses stove tops and light switches to illustrate examples of bad natural mapping. Here I will identify three other objects that currently have bad natural mapping, with ideas of how I would redesign these objects to employ good natural mapping so that they are easier to operate. 

01

WHAT IS NATURAL MAPPING?

BY DON NORMAN

Natural mapping, by which I mean taking advantage of physical analogies and cultural standards, leads to immediate understand- ing. For example, a designer can use spatial analogy: to move an object up, move the control up. To control an array of lights, arrange the controls in the same pattern as the lights. Some natural mappings are cultural or biological, as in the universal standard that a rising level represents more, a diminish- ing level, less. Similarly, a louder sound can mean a greater amount.

02

Examples that could use a natural mapping change 

The Microwave

I have yet to come in contact with a decent microwave panel of buttons. Even after using the same microwave countless times, I still have to search for certain buttons like setting the clock, or making popcorn.

IDEA FOR CHANGE #1

First, the buttons to control the clock and timer need to be in close proximity to the actual clock itself instead.

The clock controls were located at the bottom of the panel , completely opposite of the clock.

IDEA FOR CHANGE #2

Let's make use of white space so the user can easily see what areas belong together as a group of similar controls.

Without completely redesigning the entire panel, I think these tweeks would make a big difference for users.

Cancel Order Message

This gets confusing, and I see this all the time. What are we supposed to do here, the word cancel
is shown twice, and seems like pressing cancel will tell the system that you do want to cancel.

The keyboard clicks might not seem like a major part of how we use our computer until you type away on an older keyboard.

IDEA FOR CHANGE #1

User needs to be able to see the options yes or no.

Here the user has yes or no, with “cancel my order” and “do not cancel my order.”

IDEA FOR CHANGE #2

User is asked “do you wish to cancel your order?"

The user then can select yes in green, or no as a red x.

 

Fragrance Diffuser

JUST PLUG IT IN

Once it’s plugged in, it takes up the entire outlet.

You can turn it on it’s side, but it spills.

IDEA FOR CHANGE #1

The diffuser’s container needs to act more as aplacate, than a vase. then the user can plug items in below it.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *