New to Interaction Design - how go about basic concepts?

17 Sep 2010 - 7:29am
2 years ago
5 replies
1226 reads
Athena
2010

Hi there, apologies if all this seems utterly trivial to most of you, but I am new to this world and need some guidance. I am  trying to get the basic concepts underlying interaction design - any ideas on sources?

I got "Interaction Design: beyond Human-Computer Interaction" by Dr. Helen Sharp, would this be a good start?

Many thanks

 

 

 

Comments

17 Sep 2010 - 9:35am
Steven Chalmers
2007

Anthea,

I'm producing a series of video podcasts that cover basic principles of interaction design and would love your thoughts on them.  The podcasts are available on my website:  http://uiinsight.com/

I look forward to hearing from you.

Steven

17 Sep 2010 - 10:53am
gef05
2010

Athena,

Take a look at this list - it's certainly not comprehensive, but it includes a number of well known "standards": http://www.smashingmagazine.com/2008/01/24/usability-and-interface-design-books/.

I would also recommend you get used to reading questions and answers on this site. A lot of chestnuts crop up in the discussion threads. Also, for broader UX reading, take a look at http://uxexchange.com/.

The Sharp book you have is an excellent resource.

Gary

 

18 Sep 2010 - 11:28am
Dave Malouf
2005
I would put that book down right away & open up these 3: "Design of Everyday Things" by Don Norman "design for Interaction" by Dan Saffer "Sketching the User Experience" by Bill Buxton I'd also look at the following videos: Bill Verplank's Sketch Lecture as viewed on the DvD of Designing Interactions Robert Fabricant's IxD09 presentation of Behavior is our Medium (go to the resources section of ixda.org) If then look at About Face 3 (Cooper) & Designing Products in the Digital Age (Goodwin) - dave
18 Sep 2010 - 12:39pm
krystaylor
2010

Athena,

I'd take it one step further than books and videos.  There are a wealth of great UX blogs out there - read at least one blog post a day.

You may want to find a non-profit organization and volunteer your services.  Build them a website that takes donations and signups.  Do usability studies with their customers and donors.   

Additionally, find yourself an Interaction Designer to work with - either as an intern or a colleague - and learn from them.  You can learn a lot about pixels and concepts and methods from reading, but the vast majority of interaction design can only be learned by Doing - and making mistakes.  Having a good senior guide to help you avoid the biggest pitfalls and navigate the typical minefields will help.

Good luck - and welcome to a pursuit that is both rewarding and frustrating!  :>

- Krys Taylor, Director of UX: Caring.com

20 Sep 2010 - 1:38am
udx
2010

Hi Athena,

I recently came across a blog http://52weeksofux.com/tagged/week_1
Am sure this will provide good insights.

Best,
Uday.

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