The way i see it

XIII.5 September + October 2006
Page: 49
Digital Citation

Words matter. talk about people


Authors:
Donald Norman

"Welcome back," the hotel clerk at the front desk said to me. "I see you will be staying with us for four nights this time?" "Thank you," I replied, pleasantly surprised that their computer system recognized me as a frequent visitor to this hotel (I knew the clerk didn't recognize me). "Four nights? I don't know—I'm leaving Saturday." Let us dissect the clerk's greeting. "Welcome back" is nice: It signals that I am recognized, possibly even valued. But what about "staying four nights?" That is a hotel-centered statement. The hotel, and the clerk at the front desk, are interested…




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