Thoughts on Interaction Design (Perfect Paperback)

by Jon Kolko (Author)
Key Phrases: poetic interaction, fidelity data, embodied interaction, Interaction Design, Carnegie Mellon University, Connecting People (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Review
... Kolko referenced all of the right bibles, from the aforementioned Dreyfuss and Norman to visual thinkers like Edward Tufte. His work is erudite, expressive and ably explains the field of interaction design using academic references, historical precedent and real world examples. Kolko also writes with just the right amount of indignation at the problems inherent in a traditional manufacturing flow. ... while Thoughts is a solid resource for designers, it is less important for designers to read than it is for us to proselytize and to try to pass a dog-eared copy up through middle management and hopefully all the way to the CEO. --Robert Blinn, core77

Product Description
Interaction Designers are the shapers of behavior. Interaction Designers - whether practicing as Usability Engineers, Visual Interface Designers, or Information Architects - all attempt to understand and shape human behavior. The importance of this profession in business, government, healthcare and society has never been greater, as technological complexity has permeated nearly every aspect of our culture. Thoughts on Interaction Design gives individuals engaged in this profession the dialogue to begin to justify their work to other stakeholders. It provides a framework upon which to build intellectual discourse, and it substantiates the rigorous and unique nature of Interaction Design work. Ultimately, the text exists to better define the professional and theoretical nature of Interaction Design: to provide a definition that encompasses the intellectual facets of the field, the conceptual underpinnings of Interaction Design as a legitimate human-centered field, and the particular methods used by practitioners in their day to day experiences.

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Product Details

• Perfect Paperback: 155 pages
• Publisher: Brown Bear LLC (March 30, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0978853806
• ISBN-13: 978-0978853808
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #713,793 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Proud student., May 15, 2007

By	Alex C. Kim (Savannah, GA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I think this book does a beautiful job of explaining the intricacies and broad ideas of the field of Interaction Design (which is ironically appropriate for the subject matter). It often seems that the current identity of Interaction Design has gained ambiguity, however the representation given in these essays is a very up to date and accurate description.
I feel this book would be greatly appreciated by anyone who is interested in or is currently involved with Interaction Design or Industrial Design. A definite must read for any students involved with these fields (as I am one myself).
The collaboration of writing from other designers provides a great perspective on the current industry. Honest and straight-forward, this puts a refreshing emphasis on the humanistic values of design. Great job Jon, I look forward to what you do with the next project ;).

7 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Finally! A Much Needed Reflection on What Interaction Design Really Is, April 20, 2007

By	Carla Diana (global) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This sorely needed book does a brilliant job of defining, clarifying and exploring the role of the interaction designer in industry today. Those involved in contemporary design practice keep seeing the term "interaction" bandied about in a cavalier way, yet there is little collective knowledge out there to help define what it really means.

As a professional in the field of interaction design myself, I can personally attest to the difficulties that arise when this important role gets misunderstood, confounded with other disciplines, or, in the most painful instances, defined solely by the tools used to manifest the work. "Thoughts on Interaction Design" serves not only to champion interaction design as a discipline, but also helps to bring a unified vision, language and sense of purpose to those who are actively involved in it.

Beautifully designed, cleverly written, and logically organized, this book can serve as an important reference in ongoing efforts to reinforce a culture within the field of interaction design, while also providing a deeper understanding of it across all design disciplines.

4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Chicken Soup for the Designer's Soul, August 5, 2007

By	Chapman E. Ambrose "Nonprofit Designer" (Philadelphia, PA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

As an interaction designer trying to find my place in the world, I typically am the sole designer on a team or the single designer in an organization. I enjoy evangelizing the power of design, however, feeling like you have to constantly explain and justify your existence can become tiresome.

Whenever I forget that other designers exist or feel like the ugly duckling among swans, I pick up this book and am reenergized knowing other people like me are out there. I'm a part of a larger community of passionate people who care about this stuff.

Jon's book is good at making me feel normal again and giving me the language to explain this fire I have to make the world better and help people in need.