[Full title: Emotional Design: The Principles] Don Norman used to be known as a critic of unusable things but now, he says, he has changed. He has transformed himself into an advocate for pleasurable, enjoyable products. Beauty is good, says Norman. Successful products should a pleasure to use, and convey a positive sense of self, of accomplishment, and pride of ownership. In this keynote address, Norman shares work from his latest book, Emotional Design: Why We Love (or Hate) Everyday Things.

Do you believe it? Is there really more to life than whether something works well? Does you car really drive better after you have washed and polished it? Listen in. [Recorded at the O'Reilly Emerging Technology conference. See also: Cory Doctorow's Notes, Hydra Notes.]

• Cory Doctorow's Notes
• Hydra Notes