As user-centered approaches in digital product development get more and more attention, information architecture and interaction design have become two of the main tools for creating unique user experiences. Both are fundamentally about people, about how they use the products and services and how they interact with and get connected through them.

With Designing for Interaction – Creating Smart Applications and Clever Devices, Dan Saffer defines the new field of interaction design. He shows some best practices, carefully investigates the process how good interaction design is produced and gives some thoughtful and practical hints, both for beginners and experts.

The book covers all relevant topics needed for designing usable applications. The basics of interaction design with its elements and laws, inspiring methods for ideation, brainstorming and research, useful tools like use cases and scenarios, interface design basics and guidelines for the new area of service design.

One of the most interesting parts is the chapter about the Elements of Interaction Design. Saffer defines motion, space, time, appearance, texture and sound to be the materials of interaction design. These elements offer a conceptual guideline for designing digital, analog or mixed products. “They offer a powerful set of components for interaction designers to bring to bear on their projects.”

Also worth reading the chapter about service design. Services are everywhere in the digital world and affect the quality of life. Most services are full of products to use and that’s where interaction design comes into play. The relevant touchpoints between the service and its users and the process in designing good services are discussed in detail.

Conclusion: This book should be found on the desk of everyone working in the field of digital product design and development. Dan Saffer has done a great job in structuring the fuzzy cloud in clear topics. Inspiring everytime you open and read it.

Dan Saffer, Designing for Interaction. Creating Smart Applications and Clever Devices, Peachpit Press, September 2006, ISBN 0321432061