[IxDA Discuss] "Design" in Interaction Design?

[Rich Rogan]

I think the foremost talent needed in being an "Interaction Designer" is the
ability to "Design", defining "Design" as the ability of "creative problem
solving" in "a spacial manner for users".

I think this aspect of "spacial design for users" skill can further be
broken down into the ability to design for systems that are used to perform
tasks, not necessarily designing "pretty pictures", (although being able to
do this as well wouldn't hurt ;)

Often I find people can get "caught up" in thinking the most important skill
needed for Interaction Designer is what I would consider "periphery"
functions, such as "User Testing", "Persona Development", "Advanced Coding
Skills", etc. These may be important, but if you can't "Design", they're not
going to do you much good.

I guess it boils down to being creative and being able to focus this
creativity in the specific arena of "spacial task based design".