# Interaction Design

## Interaction Design

**Interaction design** (IxD) is another subset of UX that focuses on **the junction between the user and the product.**

IxD tries to answer questions like:

* How is a user inclined to interact with a product under certain circumstances?
* How do we *want* our users to interact with a particular product?
* How do we drive user interactions to achieve product goals?
* How can we build something that lets users accomplish their goals in an optimal way?

### The Five Dimensions Framework of Interaction Design

In 2007, [Kevin Silver (Links to an external site.)](https://www.uxmatters.com/mt/archives/2007/07/what-puts-the-design-in-interaction-design.php) adapted [Gillian Crampton Smith's (Links to an external site.)](http://feiramoderna.net/download/pos-positivo/MOGGRIDGE-Bill/DesigningInteractions_00_foreword.pdf) four "dimensions" of interaction design "languages" to add a fifth dimension, giving rise to the "Five Dimensions" framework:

| Dimension # | Dimension                 | Definition                                                                    |
| ----------- | ------------------------- | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| 1-D         | Words                     | Words are themselves interactions, and should be used with care.              |
| 2-D         | Visual Representations    | Typography, diagrams, icons, and other graphics with which users interact.    |
| 3-D         | Physical Objects or Space | Objects with which or spaces within which users interact in the "real world". |
| 4-D         | Time                      | The time within which users interact (with content that changes over time).   |
| 5-D         | Behavior                  | Action and reaction, including how users interact with the product.           |

These dimensions define different ways that users can interact with a product—often all at once. They might be helpful to consider as your build a product, because they'll force you to be conscious of the fact that users will constantly have an impression along each dimension.