Living With Complexity

Living With Complexity by Norman, Donald A.. hardcover edition. ISBN: 9780262014861.

Why we dont really want simplicity, and how we can learn to live with complexity. If only todays technology were simpler! Its the universal lament, but its wrong. In this provocative and informative book, Don Norman writes that the complexity of our technology must mirror the complexity and richness of our lives. Its not complexity thats the problem, its bad design. Bad design complicates things unnecessarily and confuses us. Good design can tame complexity. Norman gives us a crash course in the virtues of complexity. Designers have to produce things that tame complexity. But we too have to do our part: we have to take the time to learn the structure and practice the skills. This is how we mastered reading and writing, driving a car, and playing sports, and this is how we can master our complex tools. Complexity is good. Simplicity is misleading. The good life is complex, rich, and rewarding -- but only if it is understandable, sensible, and meaningful.