Accurate Quote by Donald A. Norman
“The designer has an obligation to provide an appropriate conceptual model for the way that the device works. It doesn't have to completely accurate but it has to be sufficiently accurate that it will help in both the learning of the operation and also dealing with novel situations.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Design of Everyday Things, 2013
Design must convey a clear mental model; precision isn’t required, but sufficient accuracy aids learning and adaptation.
In simple terms: Design should teach how it works.
Key Takeaway
Create intuitive, adaptable designs.
Themes
design
usability
learning
Mood
analytical
practical
Type
educational
technical
When to use this quote
- product development
- education
- emergency protocols
Key Concepts
cognitive science
human‑centered design
Questions to Reflect On
- How does your design teach its function?
- When is detail essential for safety?
A Different Perspective
Over‑simplification can mislead users.
![“He [Groucho's father] had absolutely no training, and if you had ever seen one of his suits, you'd realize what an accurate statement that is. You see, Pop never used a tape measure. He didn't believe in it. He said he could just look at a man and tell hi.” quote by Groucho Marx](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/02f/groucho-marx-788_accurate_he-groucho-s-father-had-absolutely-no-tr_22161.jpg)
![“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)
