Examples of Interactive Design

Interactive Design as I explained above can be a term attached to both physical products, and software interfaces, some relevant examples are:

eBay – as explained above eBay is a fine example of both an interactive interface and service, allowing the user to successfully interact with the website, and then arrange to have their goods delivered to their chosen destination.

Mobile phones and PDA’s – can be described not only having an interactive interface, but also being an interactive product.

Photocopiers, computers, and printers – all have various forms of interfaces and modes of input (mostly data).

Remote controls – remote controls have always been seen as product-based interactive devices, but with the development of ‘all-in-one’ remotes ( such as the Harmony by Logitech) they now have interactive interfaces within the remote, allowing the user to select which device to use (TV, DVD, stereo etc).

Coffee machines – a very basic example, but a good one, the coffee machine has both an input and an output, also it has a ‘product-based’ user interface. 

Ticket machines in car parks – again, similar to the coffee machine, pre-paid parking meters or ticket machines not only have a user-interface that must be easy to use by a very broad target, but also an input and an output.

Automatic Teller Machines (ATM’s) – again similar to the coffee machine, but ATM’s have a huge target to reach.

Automatic checkout machines – I have started to notice the decline in ‘check out’ workers at my local supermarket, they have been replaced by automatic tellers, you can now do all of your supermarket shopping without having to pay an actual person. I actually believe that automatic tellers are more interactive than actual tellers, there are more inputs and outputs and you actually have to respond to the computer interface, instead of the generic, “Hi I’m good thanks,” when the teller asks the all too familiar “Hi, How are you today?”

GPS – these handy devices contain a user-friendly interface and require you to put in your destination, they then tell you exactly where to go so you don’t get lost.

NikeId.com – NikeId.com is an interactive website where users are able to design their own customised shoe. Users are faced with an easy to use shoe design program, allowing them to select, patterns, colours and materials.