Week 1 Additional Design Reading

Chapter 1: Interaction Design (from Rogers and Sharp Interaction Design suggested reading)

Your first reading is an introduction to the concept of interaction design, in Interaction Design Chapter 1. It is from a textbook on Interaction Design that covers the concept beyond merely discussing the basics of websites and digital interfaces. This is an important reading because it reminds us to think beyond the web. Remember that the web design you learn in this class is a practical application of a much larger topic. If you become comfortable with the materials covered in this class, the concepts are easily transferred to the design of other non-web interactions. You should also remember that as a semi ubiquitous experience, the web also effects what we expect from interaction design. Just as the VCR, tape recorder and other physical interfaces effected people's expectation of a computer interfaces, the web effects the way people expect to navigate all sorts of digital experiences. Simply think of the ubiquity of the back button or home button, in places for which these concepts aren't necessarily relevant (e.g. your digital cable menu).


The KnobAs I’ve said before, this course uses web design as a way to give us applied practice in interaction design.  There are nuances to every interaction, and to every platform on which that interaction is designed. Learning some basic HTML and CSS will actually afford you the ability to design and test a variety of interactions, including kiosk systems or games (with a little JavaScript or Flash).  What’s most important for this class is that you remember that we designing interactions, not just websites. 


To balance your workload, I split this chapter into three weeks’ reading.

If you ar really excitd about interface, you might also want to skim this Wired Magazine article - History's Five Best Interface Designs: