IxD or interaction design is the practice of designing interactive digital products, interfaces, and services. An essential component of a bigger and broader scope called UX (user experience) design, interaction design incorporates and imagines things as they could be.
Now, to be able to deliver an incredible interaction design, the designer must think in every possible way to help the user. The aforementioned means designing suitable features for a particular user and making sure that the user is aware of the proceedings at all times.
5-dimensions of an IxD
In any interactional model, it is vital to know the five dimensions so that it is easier to understand what the interaction design includes. Gillian Crampton Smith, an academic in IxD, was the first person to introduce the idea of 4 dimensions of an interaction design language. Later on, Kevin Silver, another interaction designer, added a fifth dimension.
Here are the five dimensions of an interactional model:
- 1D (Words)
In an interactive media design, words should always be easy to understand yet meaningful. The words should be able to convey the message to users, but not in excess that it leads to confusion.
- 2D (Visual representations)
This dimension addresses the graphical details in interaction design. These include images, icons, and typography which is user-friendly. Such detailing helps as an alternative to the words and help in delivering information to users.
- 3D (Physical objects or space)
The nature of the physical object and the physical space occupied by the object affects the interactive media design. The rule applies to a person standing in a crowded train, using the application on his smartphone. Or even, a man sitting on his desk and surfing the internet. In both cases, the interaction between the user and the product changes.
- 4D (Time)
While this dimension sounds complicated, it mainly refers to media that changes with time, i.e., animation, videos, and sounds. Motion and sounds are useful in providing visual/audio feedback to users’ interactions.
- 5D (Behaviour)
It involves the mechanism of the product, i.e., action performing feature, operations of the product, etc. It works on defining how the previous dimensions support the interactions of the product.
Interaction design is simply a mode to get humans to have meaningful connections with the machines and your product. However, if it feels like a game of chess with a super complicated navigation system, it is a lost cause. You want the usage of that product to feel natural and comfortable.
Choose from any of the above-mentioned types of interactions to add to your course. While the strength of your course lies in how substantial the core content is, it is creative presentation that will take your content to your learners in an effective way. An e-learning course peppered with multiple simple interactions can keep learners glued to the course. So, learn how to create simple interactions and use them well. Too much of a bother to learn design skills? Find someone who will create these interactions for you. But do be firm on what you want. For inspiration look up some courses listed on elitelearning.io.
