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.) adapted Gillian Crampton Smith's (Links to an external site.) 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.