leader
New App Interaction Model →
Research, LEAN Experimentation
When designing complex interactions, UX leaders often need to push for a cohesive interaction model- a design model that binds an app together so it supports the conceptual models of its target users.
Cover photo for our Interaction Design Guide
1
problem
- When I arrived, existing designs did not follow a cohesive interaction model- a design model that binds an app together so it supports the conceptual models of its target users.
- There were places where different apps needed to be consistent, and where each needed a unique structure or flow, and a model that described which was appropriate when.
- Take for example word processing, spreadsheet and presentation apps from a single company. They are consistent in some ways and properly inconsistent in others.
2
solution
- Conducted research and documented the conceptual model of different sets of users.
- Defined the Interaction Design goals that mattered the most in this family of apps.
- Assembled an interaction model, an 11\" x 17\" IXD Guide that demonstrated how different parts of each app fit together, plus a pattern library with code components.
- Tested this IXD model against three apps, validated and iterated on the model.
3
impact
- Provided an intelligible structure and flow for designers, engineers and customers, leaving room for designers to solve real problems, which is the very purpose of Interaction Design.
- Increased speed for Design and Engineering teams to move from concept to code by 40%.
- Usability and satisfaction (and delight) increased as users were always oriented and could easily find information and perform tasks.
