Media: TheFeature on Don Norman on Mobile Computing

'Ergonomics: The Donald Norman Interview' by TheFeature's John Geirland starts generally: 'Far too many consumer products operate as if anti-social engineers designed them in the wee hours of the morning while strung out on caffeine and pork rinds.' But the article soon picks up pace and tackles the design issues of mobile computing from most sides.

On voice activated gadgets, Norman is his most practical: 'Voice is everyone's favorite solution. When a task seems too hard, the thinking goes, I'll just talk to my cell phone. Which is wrong. First, the task is usually complex and talking isn't going to help. Second, it would be very inappropriate to use voice interfaces in places like a meeting. (One of the powers of a non-voice interface like SMS is that you can use it while other people are talking and doing things.) Third, voice recognition is still very difficult, especially with a cell phone. You're often in a noisy environment. If you're stressed, your voice sounds different. Voice can be effective where the task and the set of things you're saying are limited.'

Elsewhere, for instance when he starts to talk about aesthetics and design - his latest enthusiasm - we hear the more passionate man; the visionary.

Associated Link: TheFeature: The Donald Norman Interview

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