Design of Future Things Ch 1

Reference Information
Title: Design of Future Things
Author: Don Norman
Publisher: Basic Books, May 2009

Summary
This chapter introduces the purpose of the book, describing examples of current and future technologies, and the problems and advantages of each. A couple examples are cars with auto-corrective steering and refrigerators that monitor food intake, providing suggestions where needed. The author argues that we need to change the way we interact with machines in order to take better advantage of them, while at the same time changing the machines to be less annoying and safer. Auto-corrective cars can be dangerous when the car acts unexpectedly, and the same goes for other technologies. The more powerful technology becomes, the more dangerous its failures in communication can become.

The author describes that the designer of a machine has the goal to create complete automation, eliminating the possibility for human error. Therefore, machines are often designed to automate many things, without considering the possibility of human error. So, when conflict or human error occurs, problems can arise. The intelligence of the machine rests with the intelligence of its designer.

The need for a symbiotic relationship is expressed, whereby machines and humans have a cooperative relationship that allows the enhancement of our lives. To accomplish this, there needs to be a more natural form of interaction that can take place subconsciously, allowing smooth communication between both human and machine. Machines will have to be able to make suggestions without controlling or annoyance, and provide enjoyment to its users. This interaction should be able to occur without significant training or skill.

HAL9000, a fictional sentient computer from 2001: A Space Odyssey.
Source: www.drucker.ca

Discussion
The author brings up some good points with his examples of technologies. In theory, many of these new automated machines can be very useful and time-saving; however, in practice, they just end up being annoying and a big waste of time. Humans enjoy the act of choice. With automation, the human is removed from the decision process, allowing no choice, as in the example of a GPS system that merely tells a person where to turn. What if they don't want to turn there? With cars that auto-correct speed or position within a lane, the auto-correction can prove dangerous rather than helpful if it takes the driver by surprise.

Because of these issues, future technology should take into account the necessity of human choice and control, and have systems designed accordingly. The need for seemless interaction between human and machine would be helpful with fixing this.