Ask HN: What books changed the way you think about almost everything?

Re:Ask HN: What books changed the way you think about almost... by borski on Tuesday February 05, 2019 @12:52PM (#19087633)

“The Design of Everyday Things” changed the way I see literally everything. You’ll never look at doors the same way again, and prepare to forever be frustrated by poorly designed objects, and delighted by incredibly well designed ones.

There is no better book on the philosophy of UX, imho.

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Re:Ask HN: What books changed the way you think about almost... by mirceal on Tuesday February 05, 2019 @01:51PM (#19088414)

not only UX. programmers can actually learn a lot about building software if they see the meta in the book (replace door w/ interface. think about the mental model your library user is going to build for your library. make things easy to use when the correct pattern is employed and impossible if improperly done. minimize cognitive load) the book is brilliant

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Re:Ask HN: What books changed the way you think about almost... by jimmychangas on Tuesday February 05, 2019 @02:02PM (#19088554)

This book made me feel normal again. I am constantly being embarrassed by doors. Now I know I am not alone.

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Re:Ask HN: What books changed the way you think about almost... by toomanyrichies on Tuesday February 05, 2019 @01:21PM (#19088037)

+1 for this gem. At least once a day I catch myself thinking some everyday object (or app) I’ve encountered could be more usable if it had certain signifiers to better illustrate its affordances, or lacked certain signifiers to obfuscate unintended affordances. Should be required reading for anyone who aspires to put products out into the world.

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Re:Ask HN: What books changed the way you think about almost... by zwayhowder on Wednesday February 06, 2019 @12:54AM (#19093033)

The first time I tried to read this book after Luke Kanies the founder of Puppet recommended it I barely made it 15% in, but after 6 months of noticing poor design everywhere I went back and gave it another go. I'm not in UX but I think about this book almost daily.

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Re:Ask HN: What books changed the way you think about almost... by js2 on Tuesday February 05, 2019 @01:29PM (#19088166)

Indeed, I think of that book (which I read over a decade ago) every time I push or pull a door the wrong way. Reading it is like being able to see the matrix - but it’s simultaneously enlightening and frustrating when you realize how poorly so many things are designed.

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Re:Ask HN: What books changed the way you think about almost... by tokyodude on Tuesday February 05, 2019 @10:45PM (#19092534)

I haven't read the book but I feel like it would make me even more grumpy from noticing even more poorly designed things than I already do.

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Re:Ask HN: What books changed the way you think about almost... by kochikame on Tuesday February 05, 2019 @11:38PM (#19092746)

Have you heard the old design joke?

If you really hate someone, teach them about kerning

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Re:Ask HN: What books changed the way you think about almost... by ismail on Tuesday February 05, 2019 @02:28PM (#19088817)

+1 reflecting back I think this is one of the books that has been key to changing my thinking. Was one of the first design book I read, but the lessons have been with me for the last decade+.

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Re:Ask HN: What books changed the way you think about almost... by aakash58 on Tuesday February 05, 2019 @03:46PM (#19089651)

I find "Living with Complexity" equally interesting.

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Re:Ask HN: What books changed the way you think about almost... by erd0s on Tuesday February 05, 2019 @12:55PM (#19087676)

Oh yeah I’d second that, this book is spectacular

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Re:Ask HN: What books changed the way you think about almost... by jeffreyrogers on Tuesday February 05, 2019 @03:16PM (#19089331)

Great book, and you're right, everyone I know who's read it (including me) says the same thing about doors afterwards.

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Re:Ask HN: What books changed the way you think about almost... by yobananaboy on Tuesday February 05, 2019 @07:38PM (#19091595)

This book got me interested in interaction design as a teenager. 10/10

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