Conversations with

Everyday Objects

Bill DeRouchey

Ziba Design

1. Theory 2. Practice

People are surrounded by technology,

products that we design and make,

that they have to learn how to use.

How do they figure it all out?

People learn from past experiences.

They unconsciously look for language,

but language evolves and spreads.

Power icon

0 1

Symbols start with one meaning,

then evolve and extend that meaning.

Meaning translates across products,

to become a true icon.

Meaning can survive a long time.

We need to see what people see.

We need to seek inspiration.

Inspiration from what we carry around.

Inspiration from common interactions.

Inspiration from what surrounds us.

Inspiration from what guides us.

Inspiration from what amuses us.

Inspiration from what intimidates us.

Inspiration from hacking it.

Inspiration from mixing it.

Inspiration from seeing the language.

We create and curate this language.

ElementsWords

Icons

Colors

Shapes

Sounds

Motion

Gesture

Size

Contour

RelationshipsLayout

Isolation

Priority

Proximity

Repetition

Alignment

Sequence

The language of interaction.

PrinciplesClarity

Perspective

Appropriateness

Purpose

Delight

Words. Command or label?

Words. Clarity or confusion?

Words. Avoid redefinitions.

Colors. Meaning or decoration?

Good. Forward. Start. OK.

Bad. Warning. Stop. Cancel.

Fire Bad. Tree Pretty.

Icons. Habit or meaning?

Gesture. Natural or cryptic?

Layout. Structure vs. beauty.

Priority. Where is the focus?

Priority. Create a hero.

Clarity. Make sense or confusion?

Clarity. Action = results.

Perspective. Product or system?

Appropriate. Is that really necessary?

Appropriate. Is that really necessary?

Appropriate. Is that really necessary?

Purpose. Be yourself.

Seeking interaction designers…

“bill_derouchey@ziba.com

“billder” on most social networks

Presentation at:

www. language of interaction .com

More at:

www. history of the button .com