where is Interaction Design going?

Only in exhibitions and installations? You might be thinking of something else… The vast majority of interaction design is on the web, and the rest can be found in consumer and specialty electronics. From digital cameras to alarm clocks to ATM machines to video games…

I’m not sure what you mean by XD also requiring an element of time. I don’t think it does any more than any other design discipline… Can you clarify?

Those are all excellent questions. I think the largest growth opportunities lie in entertainment and social applications. Right now, much of the growth stems from products becoming virtualized in software.

Great examples?

  • The WIMP (Windows, Icons, Mouse, Pointer) desktop metaphor
    Amazon’s “one click checkout.” Beneficial to both user and Amazon.
    Palm’s “grafitti” which solved the handwriting recognition problem in a new way.
    Gestural interfaces (like Alias’ “marking menus”)
    Everquest (MMORPG’s)
    Tickle-me Elmo
    Google
    The Philips home defibrillator that talks to you
    Ambient Devices like the Executive Dashboard
    Those car-seat adjusters in the shape of a car seat
    New tech enablers like Tivo, Match.com, in-dash GPS mapping, eBay, digital cameras, Blogger, Friendster…

Is ID different than HCI? Yes, because ID doesn’t require the “C” part of that acronym. (Take the car seat adjuster example.)

Some sites:

www.useit.com
www.nngroup.com
www.asktog.com
www.ok-cancel.com
www.boxesandarrows.com
www.guuui.com