Isn't one of your first exercises in learning how to communicate to write a description of how to tie your shoelaces? The point being that it's basically impossible to use text to show that.

Donald Norman's quote highlights the challenges of using text to convey complex, visual tasks. He refers to the common exercise in early communication training, where students are asked to describe how to tie their shoelaces. The exercise underscores how some actions are inherently difficult to describe through written words alone, as they require physical demonstrations or visual cues that text simply cannot capture effectively. This speaks to the limitations of language in conveying certain types of knowledge or instructions that rely on movement, gesture, or spatial awareness.

Norman’s point is that communication is not solely about words; it also involves visual and tactile elements that are difficult, if not impossible, to represent purely with text. While written descriptions can provide a general outline, they often fail to convey the full experience of the action, such as the precise motions or the timing involved in tying shoelaces. This is a key insight into the importance of multimodal communication, where text, images, videos, and even physical interaction work together to create a clearer, more comprehensive message.

The origin of this quote likely stems from Norman’s work in design and usability, where he has frequently explored the relationship between human cognition and technology. As a cognitive scientist and design expert, Norman has often discussed how user-friendly design requires understanding how people interact with objects and systems in the real world, beyond what can be expressed through written instructions. This quote exemplifies his belief in the importance of considering the context and limitations of different forms of communication.

In summary, Norman’s quote emphasizes the complexity of communication and the challenge of using text to convey physical, hands-on tasks. It speaks to the need for more interactive or visual forms of instruction, particularly in contexts where actions cannot be easily described or understood through language alone.