[IxDA Discuss] "Design" in Interaction Design?

[Andrei Herasimchuk]

On Dec 19, 2007, at 2:31 PM, Katie Albers wrote:

> What do you mean by "Core basics" do you mean that I know what they  
> are or that I can combine them in the optimal -- or approximately  
> optimal -- fashion (the latter is what people generally mean). I  
> can tell you a typeface is illegible or too small or makes an  
> element too prominent. I can tell you that the colors are  
> detracting from the purpose rather than supporting it. I can tell  
> you that the layout is too busy, too complex, or too simple for the  
> purpose. I can usefully and accurately critique design.

The only way you can do any of those things to "accurately" critique  
design is if you know *why* those things don't work. To know the why,  
you have to know the core design principals. Otherwise, your  
critiques are based on personal opinion.

> But (oooo! Look! a "but") if (with the "if" right after the "but"!)  
> you let me create the visual design, you will regret it...and  
> (so...there's the and!) you will end up with an unattractive,  
> mechanistically appropriate appearance.

Every single graphic designer I know has started at that point. The  
only thing separating you from "the visual designers" is that they  
practiced, kept at it, learned from what worked and what didn't, and  
have done so year over year. The ones with raw talent just get there  
faster. Others still get there.

Type is fundamental to clear communication.
Color is fundamental to emotional experience.
Layout and composition are crucial to enabling human understanding  
and use.

Communication, emotions and understanding are all critical to our  
work. To avoid learning how to do these things with your own two  
hands because you feel you are not good at them is simply not a good  
reason, imho.

-- 
Andrei Herasimchuk

Principal, Involution Studios
innovating the digital world

e. andrei at involutionstudios.com
c. +1 408 306 6422