Design Quote by Donald A. Norman
![“In their work, designers often become expert with the device they are designing. Users are often expert at the task they are trying to perform with the device. [...] Professional designers are usually aware of the pitfalls. But most design is not done by professional designers, it is done by…” quote by Donald A. Norman](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/c70/donald-a-norman-6862_design_in-their-work-designers-often-become-exp_1082795.jpg)
“In their work, designers often become expert with the device they are designing. Users are often expert at the task they are trying to perform with the device. [...] Professional designers are usually aware of the pitfalls. But most design is not done by professional designers, it is done by engineers, programmers, and managers.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Design of Everyday Things, 2013
Designers become experts in the tools they create, while users master the tasks; non‑professionals often design without this dual expertise, leading to flawed products.
In simple terms: Design expertise mismatch causes poor usability.
Key Takeaway
Involve real users early.
Themes
design
usability
expertise
collaboration
Mood
practical
analytical
Type
instructional
reflective
When to use this quote
- software development
- hardware prototyping
- service design
- educational tools
Key Concepts
human‑centered design
cognitive bias
design process
Questions to Reflect On
- Who should be involved in design decisions?
- What methods ensure user expertise is integrated?
A Different Perspective
Non‑experts may overlook critical user needs.
![“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)
