This first image is a remote control. It is a product that is found in everyday surroundings which was created in order to reduce kinematic load. It satisfies the principle of performance load by reducing the degree of physical activity it takes one to change the channels or volume on their television set. “General strategies for reducing kinematic load include reducing the number of steps required to complete tasks, minimizing range of motion and travel distances, and automating repetitive tasks.” (Lidwell, Holden & Butler, 2003, p. 148).
The next image is an Apple iPhone, which is a telephone that has been created to satisfy Performance load. It is an easy to use phone which is a touch screen, and so it minimises the kinematic load it would take one to push the buttons. Now you can slide through menus rather than clicking and clicking in order to get to where you want. It also reduces the amount of cognitive load one requires, which is the amount of mental activity it takes to accomplish a goal, according to Lidwell, Holden and Butler. (2003, p. 148). The iPhone reduces cognitive load by eliminating unnecessary information and buttons from the phone and it chunks information that is to be remembered.
This is an automated gear stick for a car. The automatic car is an everyday surrounding which has been created in order to reduce kinematic load: the degree of physical activity it takes to accomplish a goal. This product satisfies the design principle of Performance load by decreasing the amount of physical force it takes to navigate gears. The automatic gear stick changes the gears for you, so you don’t have to and driving is made easier. The reduction of kinematic load automates repetitive tasks, and changing gears is one of these tasks.
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