Interactive Design: Definition

Interactive Design defines the structure and behaviour of a product or system in response to a user. Good interactive design should either facilitate or instigate interactions with human users and should communicate the functionality and interactivity of the system. Although it is widely regarded as the optimisation of product/artefact/system behaviour in response to a user’s interaction, ideally interaction design should go beyond this, to a level where it becomes pleasurable to interact with and enriches the user’s life. Interaction Design usually centres around, but is not limited to, technological systems, such software, electronic devices and mobile devices. When designing an interactive artefact, it is imperative that the focus be on the user needs, goals and experiences. By researching and understanding what the user needs and wants out of the artefact, the design should then be developed to fulfil and exceed these qualities. Reducing system complexity, effectively communicating functionality and increasing efficiency (without sacrificing usefulness), leads to systems which minimise user frustration and increase user productivity and satisfaction.