Notes on Nomenclature

Throughout this book, I have had to use the unfortunate, yet standard, term user to designate the human beings who use (or will use) the products and services discussed in this book. I am no fan of this term. As has been noted elsewhere, only in drug traffi cking are there also "users," albeit of a diff erent sort. But I could not fi nd a better term that wasn't incredibly clunky, so user the term remained.

I am also noting that the term computer has defi nitely reached the end of its usefulness. I have tried, when and where appropriate, to use the terms digital device or microprocessor instead.

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There has been no more fundamental and revolutionary transformation over the past two decades than the invitation for ordinary people to influence and design their own experiences. Although this change has occurred as a result of technology, hardware and software are merely the tools. The real transformation has been in the way designers have approached the role of every person in the design of an experience, an interaction with other people, ideas and objects.

Dan Saffer provides us with a fresh, accessible and thoughtful guide to interaction designa concept just being definedin Designing for Interaction. It is a book that should fast become a standard reference in the process of design thinking for purposeful interactions.

AIGA copublishes selected works by thought leaders in designauthors whose works define new boundaries of design or support practicing designers in their quest for expanding dimensions of excellence and relevance. Designing for Interaction has set the stake in the ground for interaction design.

Richard Grefé
Executive director, AIGA

The AIGA Design Press is committed to stimulating thinking at the intersection of design, business and culture. The Press is a partnership with New Riders Publishing as a means of extending AIGA's traditional role in advancing the art, practice and theory of design. With rigor and enthusiasm, The Press will embrace new fields, uncover powerful modes of inquiry and pursue excellence in design thinking. AIGA is the oldest and largest professional association of designers in the United States. Its members include all disciplines involved in the process of designing.