Mullainathan: Computers Are Better Judges of People

Mullainathan: Computers Are Better Judges of People

Who is Sendhil Mullainathan? What were his research findings regarding judges’ bail decisions? Sendhil Mullainathan is a professor of Computation and Behavioral Science at the University of Chicago. In 2017, Mullainathan and colleagues conducted a study about judges’ ability to predict defendants’ likelihood of committing another crime. What did they find out? Keep reading for more about the experiment Mullainathan ran and his findings.

Light Switch Designs: Common Design Problems

Light Switch Designs: Common Design Problems

Are there many different light switch designs? What can light switch designs teach us about design thinking? There are nearly endless varieties of light switch designs, which can be frustrating in daily life. Light switch designs also serve as great examples for both good and bad design. Keep reading to find out more about light switch designs and how it helps explain ideas of good and bad design.

The Pareto Principle: How it Works and How to Use it

The Pareto Principle: How it Works and How to Use it

What is the Pareto Principle? How can you use the Pareto Principle to be more efficient? The Pareto Principle, or the Pareto 80/20 rule, says that you get 80% of the results using 20% of the effort. In his book, Tim Ferriss argues that you can use this principle to make yourself more efficient and spend less time working. Keep reading to find out how you can use The Pareto Principle.

Norman Doors: Solving For Function and Safety

Norman Doors: Solving For Function and Safety

What are Norman doors? How do they violate the basic principles of design, and why does it matter? Norman doors, or emergency doors, serve as a great example of discoverability and adaptation in design. Since we encounter so many doors in our lives, the Norman door serves as a single standard for emergency exits. Keep reading to find out how the Norman door is a successful example of design.

Three Levels of Processing: How Humans See Design

How to Have an Effective Strategic Discussion

What are the three levels of processing? How do they work and how do they relate to design? The three levels of processing look at the basics of how humans process thought and emotion. Though this is an extremely complex process, we can break it down into three levels when thinking about design. Read more about the three levels of processing and how they relate to design.

Subconscious and Conscious Processing Work Together

Subconscious and Conscious Processing Work Together

What is conscious processing? How is it different from subconscious processing, and how do the two work together? Conscious processing happens when we decide to learn something new. Subconscious processing is our ability to constantly be taking in new information and figuring things out. Both conscious and subconscious processing have a role in the design. Read more about conscious processing and subconscious processing.