Assets Quote by Donald A. Norman
“Technology usually provides a series of tradeoffs. Each asset is offset by a deficit...A major problem occurs when those who suffer from technology's defecits and those who benefit are not the same people.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Design of Everyday Things, 2013
Technology creates benefits and drawbacks that affect different groups unequally, often disadvantaging those who need it most.
In simple terms: Tech trade‑offs affect people unevenly.
Key Takeaway
Design for equity.
Themes
technology
ethics
design
Mood
critical
thoughtful
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- product development
- policy making
- community planning
Key Concepts
social impact
user experience
accessibility
Questions to Reflect On
- Who bears the cost of a new technology?
- How can designers mitigate inequities?
A Different Perspective
Balancing benefits and deficits is complex.
![“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)
![“[When I die], I will decidedly not be regretting missed opportunities for a good time. My regrets will be more along the lines of a sad list of people hurt, people let down, assets wasted and advantages squandered.” quote by Anthony Bourdain](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/ba3/anthony-bourdain-649_advantage_when-i-die-i-will-decidedly-not-be-regre_24502.jpg)
