IxDA was incorporated in 2005 to address the needs of the then-emergent field of interaction design. In the intervening years, interaction design has grown as a industry and an area of study, at the same time the recognition of its value in the creation of great products has grown.
We were the first community for those interested in the practice of interaction design, and now we are the largest, with over 200 local groups and more than 100,000 individuals globally. We are driven by a passion for design, and a belief that our practice of interaction design can make the world a better place. Through local meetups to global events and initiatives, this community comes together to connect, to advance our professional craft and improve our shared human condition through that effort.
What is interaction design?
Interaction Design (IxD) defines the structure and behavior of interactive systems. Interaction Designers strive to create meaningful relationships between people and the products and services that they use, from computers to mobile devices to appliances and beyond.
Our community
IxDA today is a global community of people who share an interest in interaction design. We are designers, developers, academics, researchers, and more. We’re not a professional organization in the traditional sense: we don’t care if you call yourself an interaction designer or not.
Our community also extends to our employers, our sponsors, and those who make products and services for us, as well as with us.
Our work
IxDA is committed to advancing the practice of Interaction Design. Here’s are just a few of the ways we do that:
- Local groups
In 200 cities around the globe, IxDA members self-organize on a regular basis to connect, learn and inspire. Check for a local group in your area and get in touch about meetups, mentoring, portfolio reviews and other local activities. - Conferences
Our annual conferences in Latin America and North America/Europe together host thousands of attendees each year. Additionally, conferences are held regionally by affiliated community members. - Online community
Find us on Linkedin, Facebook, Slack, Twitter. Our online forums connect practitioners to learn and share around relevant topics. - Interaction Design Awards
To increase understanding and awareness of the field and to promote a standard of excellence, we host annual the Interaction Awards, presented annually during Interaction Week. - Interaction Design Education Summit
Our annual Interaction Design Education Summit connects educators and others interested in the evolution of design education. - Student Design Charette
We are fostering the next generation of designers through our annual Student Design Charette.
Get involved!
IxDA is fully the product of our passionate and engaged community. What’s more, membership in IxDA is free — your “dues” are paid by your participation. Connect with your local group. Join the online community. Attend a conference. You make the community better by showing up.
Have more thoughts? Get in touch with the IxDA leadership. We’d love to hear from you.
Support IxDA
Without the generous contributions, participation and support of the global interaction design community, IxDA wouldn’t be where it is today. The Interaction Design Association is member-supported rather than membership-supported. You are a member if you say you are, and pay no dues. It’s that simple. Help us keep it that way.