The book Design and psychology, Argh. is about understanding feelings more closely, and using that knowledge in design method and in the development of services and products.
Why this matters for designers
As designers we are responsible for the whole experience, not only what it looks like. If we take feelings into the process, the design can work for the person using it, not only look good. That means working closely with other professions, understanding the emotional need, and making the design empathetic, consistent and aimed.
Practical advice from the book
Notice the feelings you set off. Think about which feelings the design can trigger.
Avoid negative triggers. Find and remove what can lead to frustration or uncertainty.
Make positive experiences. Design towards feelings such as trust, pleasure and safety.
Test and iterate with feelings in mind. Test how the design affects people, and adjust.
In short
Design and psychology, Argh. is a reminder that good design is not only aesthetics. It is also an understanding of how people feel, and how a product affects that. Used in the work, it helps us make digital solutions that meet a real need.
For more about the book and the authors, visit argh.no.