Designing for Interaction: Creating Smart Applications and Clever Devices

by Dan Saffer

Book Overview

Explore the new design discipline that is behind such products as the iPod and innovative Web sites like Flickr. While other books on this subject are either aimed at more seasoned practitioners or... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0321432061
• ISBN13: 9780321432063
• Release Date: January 2006
• Publisher: New Riders Publishing
• Length: 231 Pages
• Weight: 1.05 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.5" x 7.0" x 9.0"

Customer Reviews

Excellent for Aspiring Interaction Designers

I am an aspiring interaction designer and this book by Dan Saffer really nails it for me in terms of laying down a coherent and well-written overview and framework. This book is essential to the interaction design community in that it defines clearly what interaction design is (and is not) in this early stage of this new industry. It is also essential reading for all beginning or aspiring interaction designers.

Brilliant overview of the fundamentals!

This is an insightful and necessary read for anyone entering the field of interaction design/user experience but also serves as a wonderful refresher for current practitioners, covering all the major areas, from software to devices, to entire systems. With lucid, articulate, easy language Saffer explains what I regard as the fundamentals of interaction design: definitions, contexts, methods/approaches, and new frontiers, all backed by relevant and clear examples. Some noteworthy highlights: compact case studies of real designs (like Google's IM), interviews with veteran design pros like Hugh Dubberly, Marc Rettig, Shelley Evansen, and a sharp look at Service Design and design for devices. Saffer fluidly conveys what I've always struggled to express: interaction design is not just web design, but a mode of thought and action towards improving relationships. With this book, Saffer is clearly poised to be an influential voice for interaction design, a field many of us practice unwittingly but few are able to explain effectively to broader audiences. Highly recommend!!

Answers the questions...

...what is Interaction Design, and why is it valuable? Significant as an accessible work in a field that continues to define itself. In clear, concise prose with personality, the book breaks Interaction Design (IxD) down into its essential building blocks and perspectives. Included is a brief history of the field, core concepts, frameworks of thinking, processes, tools, as well as timely ideas about the future of IxD. I applaud the inclusion of Service Design. Often associated primarily with the business community, Service Design has huge implications for improving the way we interact in our daily lives and is an important addition to the design landscape. For a satisfyingly-detailed overview, Interaction Design refresher, or reference begin here. This book can serve as a great tool for initiating discussion and establishing a common language and understanding of IxD within organizations.

A Starting Place for Interaction Design

Dan does a wonderful job putting a stake in the ground on interaction design. He walks through the history and the breadth of designing in today's world. The books walks through the roles and practices that are needed for solid product design. Part of the book is interviewing the thought leaders and practitioners. I have been anxiously waiting for this book and it has met my expectations.