Norman Door

A Norman Door is a term from design that describes a door whose design misleads users about how to operate it—whether to push or pull. Named after Don Norman, a cognitive scientist and design expert, these doors seem intuitive but often cause confusion, leading to mistakes or frustration. For example, a door with a push plate that should be pulled can confuse people, or a handle that suggests pushing instead of pulling. Recognizing Norman Doors helps designers create more intuitive, user-friendly doors that clearly indicate how they should be operated.