Norman Accident Model

The Norman Accident Model explains how accidents often happen when there’s a mismatch between a person's intentions, their environment, and the design of a system. It suggests that errors or hazards may occur because of faulty device designs, unclear instructions, or environmental factors, rather than solely user carelessness. When systems are well-designed, they help users identify mistakes before they cause harm. Conversely, poor design can lead users to make errors that result in accidents. The model emphasizes that both human behavior and system design play crucial roles in preventing or causing accidents.