mentor-norman

Coach designers to apply Norman's usability principles during design reviews and usability tests.

3|1|Updated Mar 27, 2026
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/ryankolean/summit-claude-skills --skill mentor-norman
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agent
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: mentor-norman
Source: https://github.com/ryankolean/summit-claude-skills/tree/main/skills/mentor-norman
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/ryankolean/summit-claude-skills --skill mentor-norman

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

What problem does it solve?

Coaching teams to apply Don Norman's usability frameworks to diagnose and improve user experiences across digital products.

Core Features & Use Cases

  • Apply core Norman principles (affordances, signifiers, mapping, feedback, conceptual models, constraints) to identify design issues.
  • Use the Seven Stages of Action to trace where users get stuck and propose targeted fixes.
  • Provide coaching guidance during design reviews, usability tests, and product planning to reduce user friction and error.

Quick Start

Activate Norman mode by asking for usability guidance on the current interface.

Frequently Asked Questions about mentor-norman

High-intent search queries and answers about installing and using this skill.

FAQPage Schema
How do I apply Norman's usability principles to diagnose why users struggle with my interface?

Apply Norman's usability principles like affordances, signifiers, mapping, and feedback to trace user struggles during design reviews, using a coaching approach that emphasizes fixing design over blaming users.

What is the best way to use the seven stages of action to fix UX friction?

The seven stages of action framework traces where users get stuck during usability tests, allowing you to map specific user friction points to targeted design fixes and improve overall product usability.

Can I use Norman's conceptual models and constraints to improve physical device usability?

Yes, Norman's frameworks apply across digital products, physical devices, and services to diagnose usability issues by evaluating conceptual models and constraints to reduce user error and friction.

How does a coaching approach help identify design issues versus user errors?

A UX coaching approach emphasizes design responsibility over user blame, shifting focus to how affordances, signifiers, and mapping can be corrected to prevent user errors during product usability evaluations.

When do I need to evaluate signifiers and affordances during a design review?

Evaluate signifiers and affordances during design reviews and usability tests when users exhibit confusion or errors, applying Norman's principles to diagnose conceptual model mismatches and propose targeted fixes.