Behavioral Quote by Donald A. Norman
“Behavioral design is all about feeling in control. Includes: usability, understanding, but also the feel.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Design of Everyday Things, 2013
Design should empower users, giving them a sense of control and understanding
In simple terms: Design gives control
Key Takeaway
Prioritize user agency in design
Themes
design
usability
control
Mood
thoughtful
analytical
Type
educational
practical
When to use this quote
- product design
- software interfaces
- service design
Key Concepts
human‑centered design
psychology of choice
Questions to Reflect On
- How can designers ensure real control, not just perceived?
- When does user control hinder efficiency?
A Different Perspective
Control illusion can be misleading
![“Hypertext makes a virtue out of lack of organization, allowing ideas and thoughts to be juxtaposed at will. [...] The advent of hypertext is apt to make writing much more difficult, not easier. Good writing, that is.” quote by Donald A. Norman](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/662/donald-a-norman-6862_advent_hypertext-makes-a-virtue-out-of-lack-of_51804.jpg)
![“[The question for the behavioral disciplines is simply] what is better, and how do we get there?” quote by Kenneth E. Boulding](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/50a/kenneth-e-boulding-3728_discipline_the-question-for-the-behavioral-discipli_272939.jpg)
