I started reading The Design of Everyday Things by Donald Norman. Surprisingly, it's an interesting read so far! 

Norman give examples of microwaves, manual doors, slide projectors and even a museum. Even though these are all very different object, they have a common ground: they are everyday items that are not necessarily easy to use. The problem with many common products is that the companies and designers seem to be focusing on their product being aesthetically pleasing or innovative, and ignoring functionality. 

So far, the most interesting section of the book is "Affordances" (starting on page 9). To my understanding, an affordance is something that gives the users an idea of how something could possibly work. For instance, a doorknob would be an affordance; the doorknob gives the user the idea that it can be turned and the door can be opened by this particular object. In Norman's example, he uses reinforced glass panels that were for shelters. These panels were used by British Rails. The problem with these panels was that they would be smashed by vandals. British Rails replaced the glass panels with wooden ones. This alleviated the 'smashing' problem, but since it was plywood, vandals were able to carve and write on it. This makes me wonder, are there ANY materials that would really work? If they replaced the plywood with metal, it would be stronger; however, you can etch in metal and write on it. You could use a stone material, but you can still write on it and it can possibly be carved or chipped. So possibly, there really is no 'good' solution for British Rail's problem.