Blog Post 6

Norman says, "The good news is that the new technologies enable us always to feel connected, to be able to share our thoughts and feelings no matter where we are, no matter what we are doing, independent of the time or time zone.  The bad news is, of course, those very same things.  If all my friends were always to keep in touch, there would be no time for anything else.  Life would be filled with interruptions, twenty-four hours a day. Each interaction alone would be pleasant and rewarding, but the total impact would be overwhelming," (158). This quote's overall theme and underlying message is about finding balance in life. Every aspect of life needs to be balanced in order to be successful and create harmony. Like Norman says, technology is great because it enables us to reach out to the world no matter where we are.  However, if we become too involved in technology it will overtake our lives. It is important to find a balance in all things. Information design in society is essential. Without signs and directions, everyone would be lost and confused. Signs, regulations and design create harmony. Most people understand universal signs and images. These universal elements and emotions unite us together. The wayfinding handbook says, "Let the mishap of disorientation once occur, and the sense of anxiety and even terror that accompanies it reveals to us how closely it is linked to our sense of balance and well-being," (14). This quote further proves the point that balance is essential in life. Without wayfinding technique, people become disoriented, confused or lost. This leads to feelings of frustration, confusion and panic. This in turn leads to anger, rage or fear. Information design, and design in general helps create a sense of balance and positive emotion. Good information design is essential and it must relate to our visceral, behavioral and reflective levels of emotion. People like attractive things, this plays into our visceral emotions. Next, people what things that function and do what they are intended to do.  This appeals to our behavioral emotions. Lastly, people like to associate design, information design, layout, and signs among other things with positive experiences. Memory is a powerful tool and if the mind remembers things in a positive way, it is likely to continue to use a product. This principle is relates back again to the theme of balance. If there is a balance between all aspects of these three levels of emotion, the product is likely to be successful. Good information design is essential in society because it creates balance and harmony.