An interaction designer is responsible for creating interaction concepts between a user and a product or service in a holistic way. They draw upon user data and research to make sure that digital applications work in the hands of a user. What does an interaction designer do?
What is interaction design?
Interaction design (or IxD) is defined as the process of creating interactive products, services, systems and environments. It refers to all possible (and impossible) communicative interactions among people for whom information technology is a necessity.
Put simply, this field focuses on meaningful interactions and communication of media between users and technology. Interaction design may have its roots in web and graphic design but has now grown into a field of its own.
There are five dimensions involved in interaction design. These were developed by Gillian Crampton Smith and Kevin Silver and are as follows:
- Words (1D)
- Images (2D)
- Space (3D)
- Time (4D)
- Behaviour (5D)
What is the role of an interaction designer?
Interaction designers are primarily responsible for designing products that create a positive user experience. They assist with the development of product design strategy and work with the product development team to ensure the design product meets both business and consumer objectives.
These designers follow along with the entire design process and are responsible for everything from conducting market research to analyzing business problems and designing solutions.
They create prototypes that illustrate key product interactions and strategize design solutions to meet relevant strategic objectives. They keep up to date with the market and trends and are constantly learning in order to implement the latest technologies in the design process.
Interaction designers analyze consumer behaviour to identify any opportunities to optimize the usability of a product. They also communicate their designs to different teams in an organization, including engineers, management and potential customers.
Responsibilities of an interaction designer:
- Design products that create a positive user experience
- Follow along with the entire design process
- Assist with the development of product design strategy
- Work with the product development team to ensure the design product meets both business and consumer objectives
- Conduct market research
- Analyze business problems and find solutions
- Create prototypes that illustrate key product interactions
- Strategize design solutions to meet relevant strategic objectives
- Keep up to date with the market and trends
- Implement the latest technologies in the design process
- Analyze consumer behaviour to identify any opportunities to optimize the usability of a product
- Communicate designs to different teams within an organization
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What are the skills of an interaction designer?
Interaction designers are extremely computer-centric and graphic-oriented and have excellent knowledge when it comes to product cycle and product design principles. They also have a good understanding of graphic design principles, including color theory and visual presentation.
They are proficient in interaction design software, such as Adobe Creative Suite and Axure as well as Microsoft Office applications, particularly Word and PowerPoint.
These designers also have a strong understanding of HTML and XML and are proficient in coding. They have the ability to illustrate prototype concepts quickly and have experience working with CAD applications.
Interaction designers have great reading comprehension, strong written and verbal communication skills, and excellent time management and organizational abilities.
Skills of an interaction designer:
- Extremely computer-centric
- Graphic-oriented
- Excellent knowledge of the product cycle and product design principles
- Good understanding of graphic design principles
- Proficient in interaction design software such as Adobe Creative Suite and Axure
- Strong understanding of HTML and XML
- Proficient in Microsoft Office applications such as Word and PowerPoint
- Ability to illustrate prototype concepts quickly
- Experience working with CAD applications
- Strong proficiency in coding
- Great reading comprehension
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Excellent time management skills
- Strong organizational skills
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How do I become an interaction designer?
A Bachelor’s degree in Visual Design, Industrial Design, Graphic Design a related field is the first step towards becoming an interaction designer.
You can also boost your career by obtaining certifications via online courses. Check out options for these down below:
- Interaction Design Specialization
- Interaction Design IxD tutorial Web Design Patterns
- Become an Interaction Designer
- Interaction Design Foundation
How much can I make as an interaction designer?
The salary of an interaction designer can vary depending on factors such as job position, responsibilities and the company. For new graduates, the annual starting salary is up to $54,000. The average salary with a few years of experience is $77,300. At senior level roles with considerable professional experience, annual salaries of up to $113,000 are to be expected.
In Germany, the national average salary for designers is €54,667 whereas in the UK, the average is £32,166.
| Junior | $54,000 |
| Average | $77,300 |
| Senior | $113,000 |
How much do freelance interaction designers make?
| Average rate Interaction Designers (2022) | $81/hr |
On average, freelance Interaction Designers charge $81/hour (freelancermap’s price and rate index in September 2022).
Most freelancers in Interaction Design have an hourly freelance rate between $47 and $104.
Considering a freelance rate of $81/hour, a freelancer would charge $648/day for an 8-hour working day.
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