Norman explains four types of constraints including: physical constraints, cultural constraints, semantic constraints, and logical constraints. Constraints in general can help users make better decisions when using a product by making the allowable actions clear. When constraints do not exist or the user is unaware of existing constraints, unintended events that are either uncomfortable or even dangerous could occur.
Physical Constraints
After using my electronic toothbrush after couple of days, I always need to replenish the charge of the battery. In order to accomplish this, I must place the toothbrush on the charger. It is not uncommon that my initial attempt to place the toothbrush on the charger is unsuccessful. This is because of a physical constraint that is imposed. The charger opening on the toothbrush is shaped to fit the charger in only one way. This constraint as well as other physical constraints can help users make better decisions by making the intended use of objects clear.
Cultural Constraints
As the temperature outside begins to shift from warm to cool, I'm finding it necessary to adjust the setting of a fan in my home that has the ability to blow both warm and cool air. In order to change the temperature of the air coming out of the fan I use a remote control. The button to control temperature has two ends. One end has a red dot and the other, a blue dot. In our culture, red is associated with is warmth and blue is associated with cool. Using this cultural constraint, a user is able to adjust the temperature of the air coming from the fan in a reliable manner. Cultural constraints can help us to understand acceptable behavior.
Semantic Constraints
The other day I downloaded a mobile app onto my phone. Soon after I began using it, I wanted to change certain information that displayed. In order to make the changes, I clicked on a button that consisted of three little dots stacked on top of each other located in the upper right-hand corner of the screen. The designers who chose to use that button and place it in that particular location where relying upon semantic constraints. This type of constraint can help users make better decisions by providing useful information.
Logical Constraints
The lighting setup in my kitchen is operated by a variety of switches, clustered into groups on lighting switch panels. It is unclear which switch operates each series of lights by just looking at the panel. After trying all but one switch and still not having turned on the desired series of lights, through logic I conclude that the remaining switch will allow me to accomplish my goal. This an example of a logical constraint. Logical constraints can help users by making clear what action should be taken after others have been eliminated.
Physical Constraints
After using my electronic toothbrush after couple of days, I always need to replenish the charge of the battery. In order to accomplish this, I must place the toothbrush on the charger. It is not uncommon that my initial attempt to place the toothbrush on the charger is unsuccessful. This is because of a physical constraint that is imposed. The charger opening on the toothbrush is shaped to fit the charger in only one way. This constraint as well as other physical constraints can help users make better decisions by making the intended use of objects clear.
Cultural Constraints
As the temperature outside begins to shift from warm to cool, I'm finding it necessary to adjust the setting of a fan in my home that has the ability to blow both warm and cool air. In order to change the temperature of the air coming out of the fan I use a remote control. The button to control temperature has two ends. One end has a red dot and the other, a blue dot. In our culture, red is associated with is warmth and blue is associated with cool. Using this cultural constraint, a user is able to adjust the temperature of the air coming from the fan in a reliable manner. Cultural constraints can help us to understand acceptable behavior.
Semantic Constraints
The other day I downloaded a mobile app onto my phone. Soon after I began using it, I wanted to change certain information that displayed. In order to make the changes, I clicked on a button that consisted of three little dots stacked on top of each other located in the upper right-hand corner of the screen. The designers who chose to use that button and place it in that particular location where relying upon semantic constraints. This type of constraint can help users make better decisions by providing useful information.
Logical Constraints
The lighting setup in my kitchen is operated by a variety of switches, clustered into groups on lighting switch panels. It is unclear which switch operates each series of lights by just looking at the panel. After trying all but one switch and still not having turned on the desired series of lights, through logic I conclude that the remaining switch will allow me to accomplish my goal. This an example of a logical constraint. Logical constraints can help users by making clear what action should be taken after others have been eliminated.
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