Constraints

What is a constaint? Dictionary.com defines it as a "limitation or restriction."

When you feel constrained you feel limited or held back. In design we have to be very aware of constraints. In Donald Norman's book he says there are four basic categories of constraints; physical, semantic, cultural, and logical. Donald also explains constraints as being

"limits to the perceived operation of a device" (Norman, 2002).

In my interaction design class we are focusing alot on constraints and conventions. When you are working on an interactive design you have to be aware of constraints. This is the case with any type of designer; graphic, mechanical, architect etc. A physical constraint will physically stop someone from doing a task. A logical constraint will help someone figure out what something does when the physical and semantic constraint do not relay the information. It is usually done by natural mappings. A semantic constraint is when you rely on the environment or situation to figure out how something works. Cultural constraints are based on cultural conventions.

It's been intersting to see how all these different things affect how we interact with everyday objects. Ever since we looked at how doors work and apply these terms to doors I haven't been able to open a door or walk through a door without thinking about my interaction with it and the design on it.


References:
Norman, Donald A. "Knowing what to do." The Design of Everyday Things. New York: Basic, 2002. N. page 84-86

dictionary.com