“Every mistake is a guide, every design is an answer. Let’s look beyond the mistakes, and find the beauty hidden behind the design.” -Chris Kauffman
He said: “The error does not come from man, but from design”. A powerful philosophy that reminds us that whenever we blame someone for a mistake, we should instead look for the flaw in the design of the system or object involved.
Striking examples from everyday life
Let’s take the example of doors that we sometimes try to open from the wrong side. Is it really our fault or is it the design of the door that is misleading? Or, the user interfaces of certain software which confuse us. Instead of viewing the user as incompetent, let’s think again about how the tool was designed to be intuitive and accessible.
Beyond the stigma
Based on extensive studies and analysis, Norman, in his publications, has demonstrated how the stigma of human error prevents innovation and growth. By adopting a human-centered approach, we open the door to more sustainable and effective solutions.
Conclusion: The Power of Reframing
Ultimately, seeing error as an opportunity and not a weakness opens up a world of possibilities for more intuitive, empathetic and human-centered designs.