#166 - Summer Throwback: Erika Hall on Why Surveys (Almost Always) Suck

In this book, Daniel Kahneman takes readers on a tour of the mind, explaining how the two systems of thought shape our judgments and decisions. System 1 is fast, automatic, and emotional, while System 2 is slower, effortful, and logical. Kahneman discusses the impact of cognitive biases, the difficulties of predicting future happiness, and the effects of overconfidence on corporate strategies. He offers practical insights into how to guard against mental glitches and how to benefit from slow thinking in both personal and business life. The book also explores the distinction between the 'experiencing self' and the 'remembering self' and their roles in our perception of happiness.

Erika Hall's "Just Enough Research" provides a practical and accessible approach to user research for designers. The book emphasizes the importance of conducting research that is both efficient and effective, focusing on gathering the right information at the right time. Hall advocates for a flexible and iterative approach to research, encouraging designers to adapt their methods based on the specific needs of the project. She provides a range of research methods, from user interviews to usability testing, and offers practical advice on how to analyze data and communicate findings. The book's focus on practicality and accessibility makes it a valuable resource for designers of all levels.

In 'Conversational Design,' Erika Hall explains how to make digital systems feel less robotic and more real by applying the principles of human conversation. The book delves into linguistics, psychology, and design strategy to help designers create device-independent, human-centered systems. It covers topics such as understanding the human interface, the power of personality in design, and practical techniques for implementing conversational design in various contexts. Hall emphasizes the importance of balancing formal and informal language and creating interactions that are cooperative, goal-oriented, context-aware, and error-tolerant.