More Kindle critiques from a product designer

My critique of the Amazon Kindle book reader was largely from the first principles of the clear communication and singular purpose required to market consumer products. Now, Canadian product designer Thibaut Sailly -- yes a real one, not one who imagines he might be able to play one on TV -- has taken a hard look at the Kindle design from a detailed product and usability perspective. She arrives at similar conclusions, but does so with more rigor and detail. Her hot/cold spots on the physical design feel right to me. Most intriguing to me is her insight that the book reader should have a cover to properly communicate its bookishness.

Thanks to Daring Fireball for the find.

For those wishing a broader insights with one the gurus of usability, check out this interview with human-computer interaction expert and former Apple maven Don Norman. My big takeaway from this interview is that technology products need more natural interaction cues instead of artificial ones. All his critiques seem like common sense until you look at today's technology products and realize that his sense is anything but common. I highly recommend his books, such as The Design of Everyday Things and Emotional Design: Why We Love (or Hate) Everyday Things as well.

Technorati Tags: Amazon, Bookishness, Kindle, Donald Norman