Excellent topic! Should the interface "control" behavior? I don't think so. Should an interface "influence" behavior? Should we introduce new interaction concepts? Standard consulting answer... it depends.
What are the goals behind a given site, application, or interaction? What expectations will the people using the technology bring to the interaction? Are there things they need to look at first? Are there things they need to avoid? Designing an interface so certain desired behaviors are more likely to occur and undesired behaviors are less likely is a fundamental aspect of good interaction deign. I think the real answer to this question rests in out motives for influencing behavior. What are we trying to do? Imagine, if you will, a continuum. On the one end, we engineer the interface to helping folks achieve their objectives in an enjoyable and satisfying way. On the other end, we cleverly organize the interface so to manipulate our audience into doing something they otherwise would not do (i.e. read through an endless list of FAQ's instead of calling customer service)? So at what point on the continuum do we make the transition form useful interactions which balance user needs against other competing factors into selling our souls? I think that's a judgment call we have to make with each project. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Posted from the new ixda.org http://www.ixda.org/discuss?post=41860 ________________________________________________________________ Welcome to the Interaction Design Association (IxDA)! To post to this list ....... [email protected] Unsubscribe ................ http://www.ixda.org/unsubscribe List Guidelines ............ http://www.ixda.org/guidelines List Help .................. http://www.ixda.org/help
