Interaction Design is considered to be a combination of UI and UX design for all digital interface platforms. These designers also specialize in softwares, websites, and other interfaces where a human and computer interaction takes place.
Every digital interface project can be altered and modified through interaction design. It makes designers go beyond the idea of aesthetics while designing and consider, on the other hand, how a user might interact with this interface, from their psychological viewpoint. All visual design is about communication and storytelling. UX designers work on metrics and behavior while UI designers emphasize on design principles and interface aesthetics.
Interested in an interaction design course and looking for tips to become a master designer, then read on.
1. Understand the behaviors first
Interfaces are made for human interaction, so an interaction designer doesn’t exactly design a product, they design the interaction between the user and the interface. And this is achieved through much intuitive and psychological understanding of how users interact and how to influence their interaction through design. The best way to do this is to approach design with a plan. Cull out the best features and organize them accordingly.
Once the user interface is ready, designers run general user tests to find out if their plan has been executed with perfection or does it need some improvements. Accordingly, the designers will make the tweaks. Be present and observe your own behavior while interacting with a digital interface. Question more and study what features stand out, what feels really intuitive and how you can replicate such features in your work. As you go on practicing, you’ll internalize the process and your work will only keep improving with time.
2. Design with motion
Learn the basics of motion designing. Animated interfaces are becoming more and more popular and designers are creating unique ways of animations which react to a user’s behavior, such as , when they click, double tap, swipe etc. These reactions may or may not have some microinteractions depending on the context. You will not need Disney-level skills to get started with IxD, but to be a successful professional in this line, you will have to have animation and perfect your skills.
3. Design digital interfaces
If you want to pursue interaction design professionally, then you must learn how to create and design interfaces. This will require an in-depth and comprehensive understanding of different programs like Illustrator, Photoshop, Sketch or any other software you prefer. You must learn how to actually create these design interfaces and understand different concepts like color choices, typography, whitespace, general design aesthetics etc.
There is no one straight path to follow in design. No matter what you specialize in, it will take you a lot of hard work, tremendous practice to become a masterful designer.
Enroll yourself in a program today and start learning the skills you’ll need to succeed.