8.1 Introduction to Interaction Design

Interactive products have become an integral part of our day to day lives.

	Take a step back and think about the interactive products that you use every day; Mobile phone, computer,
	remote control, coffee machine, vending machine, ATM, printer, iPod, Navigation system and so on.

The list is endless.

As well as thinking about the interactive products, think of their usability.

	Are they easy to use? Effortless? Enjoyable? Some interactive are easy and enjoyable to use such as the
	iPod or a mobile phone.

	Other interactive products may be more difficult and complex to use such as an overhead projector that is not
	recognizing the connected laptop.

What makes an interactive product easy to use while making another one difficult?

Interactive products and applications are designed and developed in order to suit the users' needs.

For example a smart phone or social media sites such as Facebook.

	Applications such as these are generally easy and pleasing to use for the user as they are not complex or too
	demanding.

8.1 Introduction to Interaction Design

	However, even the smallest function of an interactive product such as switching from TV to DVD mode using
	the remote control could ruin an enjoyable experience.

(If the user cannot work out how it is done).

	Reducing the negative aspects (anger, user frustration, annoyance) of the user experience is the main aim of
	interaction design.

		This also needs to be achieved while promoting the positive aspects (enjoyment, engagement, ease of
		use, user friendliness).

	Combining these two aims together, the aim of interaction design is for designers to develop systems that are
	easy, effective, and pleasurable to use from the point of view of the user.

	In this lecture, we look at interaction design in terms of good and poor design, identifying the factors that
	influence the user experience, be it positively or negatively.