What is Interactive Design?

For something to be interactive (and the something I am referring to, could be either a physical product or an interface; for example a web page) the user must be able to work with the product or system (or interact with it) to get a result. Interactive Design, in a modern context, most commonly takes the form of different types of software in various electronic devices, however it can also refer to products and services. (eBay for example is not only an example of web 2.0, but also of Interactive Design, in both a product and software interface sense. The user must first put certain details into the system in the form of a product search; the user is then given a response to this search. eBay is also a service, as after the user has interacted with the interface, they are able to obtain the object they were searching for).

The ‘interaction’ of a product refers to the behaviour of its response to the input of the user. The main aim of Interactive Design is to increase the usability of an interface/make the task as easy as possible for the user. This is often achieved through (in the case of web/software applications) the designers understanding of the needs of the target audience, and their ability to meet those needs, to do this the designer often has to focus on how the system responds to the users experience.

For Interactive Design to be successful the designer must be aware of the aspects of their design that will trigger an emotional response in the user, positive responses are needed and will help make the user feel at ease when using the system/product. Methods that can help trigger these emotions can take the form of; (in software applications) sound, animation, response, dynamic icons, or basically any kind of feedback.

Rogers, Yvonne, Sharp, Helen and Jenny Preece. “Interaction Design:
Beyond human-computer interaction.” John Wiley and sons.
2007. Accessed 10th March 2009 <http://www.id-book.com/chapter1.htm>

Marion, Craig. “What is Interaction Design and What Does It Mean to Information
Designers?” 1999. Accessed 10th March 2009
<http://mysite.verizon.net/resnx4g7/PCD/WhatIsInteraction Design.html>