From difficult artifacts to easy to use designs.

Abstract

There are many reasons why artifacts and systems become difficult to use. In this paper, we investigate difficulties as a basis for design for ease of use. Difficulties may stem from the artifact or system itself, or from the artifact or system in use in context. Technology introduces new tasks, and both learning new tasks and unlearning the old ways pose challenges. We propose that users’ habits and previous knowledge are used as resources for design, and present a conceptual framework for design for coherence and simplicity from a user’s perspective.