Stuff That Meets The “Aha, Of Course” Criterion
Design is a tricky notion. The concept is so malleable and ambiguous that many of us quickly retreat to the ultimate fallback position, slotting good design into that pithy but pusillanimous template, “I can’t define _______, but I know it when I see it.”
For my part, the criterion that signals good design is that Aha, Of Course Moment that occurs when I grasp how something provides a solution that is elegantly and obviously better than whatever was previously available. Occasionally, I discover no-brainers, a tool, a household item, a methodology, or whatever that not only triggers one of these Aha, Of Course Moments but also involves minimal fiscal, systemic, or physical risk (exotic autos & mountain climbing gear, for example, would not ordinarily qualify as low risk); in these cases, I sometimes, on a day like today, feel moved to spread the word.
This posting spotlights one such no-brainer and a related reading recommendation.
The Book Recommendation
The Design of Everyday Things by Donald A. Norman, originally published as The Psychology of Everyday Things in 1988, is less a how-to manual than an inspirational volume that can open the reader’s eyes to the pervasive effect of design on day-to-day activities. The standard example mentioned in almost every review is the author’s observation that there are so many doors that require a sign indicating “push” or “pull” (and sometimes “use other door”) although a basic criterion of a well-designed object is that it is self-explanatory. The down side of the book, in fact, is that it makes one aware of the ubiquity of design that ranges from poor to perverse, primarily because the creators did not understand the process by which the devices work. The result, all too often, is technology that forces users to function for the benefit of the device rather than the device functioning for the benefit of the user. Norman’s style is breezy and anecdotal, making this an easy but enlightening read.
The Aha, Of Course Recommendation
And what better place to read The Design of Everyday Things than on a chilly evening cozied up in a warm blanket – except it’s impossible to drape the blanket exactly right so that both essential conditions, keeping ones hands are free to manipulate the book and keeping the blanket wrapped around ones arms and neck to keep warm, are maintained. If that’s your problem, then this is your solution: blankets with sleeves.
Of course, the sleeves not only provide easy access to books but also to the popcorn bowl, gaming controller, TV remote, laptop computer, etc.
One of these blankets is a permanent accountrement to my favorite couch and has proven useful enough that I’m planning on buying a second for the bedroom. I’ve also purchased one as a gift, which is how I discovered that these also make dandy robes of the Harry Potter/Sorcerer’s Apprentice variety.
There are at least three manufacturers now producing these delights in a variety of colors, fabrics, sizes, and prices.
Ahem, On The Other Hand
While I think this is a great product, I would suggest that these companies spend a buck on decent marketing. Perhaps, for example, the Freedom Blanket folks could find a pose that doesn’t make their model look like an invalid.
And, the name, “Slanket,” at least for me, has a semi-lurid ring to it. I can imagine, for example, an exotic dancer named Suzie Slanket. I can also imagine that this guy is watching Suzie perform on his gizmo.
Credit Due Department: I first saw the Slanket at BoingBoing and found the Book Blanket and Freedom Blanket at Smart Stuff.
