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You are designing for people the way you would like them…

“You are designing for people the way you would like them to be, not for the way they really are.” When” quote by Donald A. Norman
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““You are designing for people the way you would like them to be, not for the way they really are.” When””

Donald A. Norman

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Design should reflect ideal user behavior, not just current habits, to guide better experiences.

In simple terms: Design for ideal users, not just real ones.

Key Takeaway

Create designs that inspire desired behavior.

Themes

design user experience idealism

Mood

analytical instructive

Type

professional philosophical

When to use this quote

  • product development
  • UX workshops
  • education

Key Concepts

human-centered design behavioral psychology

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can designers balance ideal behavior with real user habits?
  • When is it appropriate to reshape user behavior?
A Different Perspective

Idealized design may ignore practical constraints.

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