Page 62 -

Interview 31

YR: So what were the kinds of projects you were
working on when you first started Swim?
GS: They were less web-centric. There was more
software application design and a few hardwarelsoft-
ware type things. For the last year and a half the focus
shifted to almost exclusively web-based applications.
However, these are quite similar to software applica-
tions-they just have different implementation con-
straints. Right at the moment, the hardwarelsoftware
products are starting to pick up again-it does seem
that information appliances are going to take off. The
portance of interaction de- nature of the problems we solve hasn't changed
sign in ensuring their products are successful but don't know much; it's the platform and associated constraints that
how to do this. Often they get in touch with Swim with partially
developed products and ask for help with their interaction de- change.
sign. Swim has consulted for a range of clienk, including Apple
Computer, Nike, IBM, DoubleClick, Webex, and RioPort. YR: What would you say are the biggest challenges
facing yourself and other consultants doing interac-
YR: What is your approach to interaction design? tion design these days?
GS: I've devised my own definition: interaction design GS: One of the biggest challenges is remembering
is the design of products that reveal themselves over that half of what we do is the design work and the
time. Users don't necessarily see all the functionality in other half is the communication of that design work.
interactive products when they first look at them. For The clients almost never bridge the gap for us: we
example, the first screen you see on a cell phone doesn't need to bridge it. We always have to figure out how
show you everything you can do with it. As you use it, to deliver the work so it is going to have impact. We
additional functionality is revealed to you. Same thing are the ones who need to ensure that the client is
with a web-based application or a Window's applica- going to understand it and know what to do with it.
tion-as you use them you find yourself in different That part of the work is oftentimes the most difficult.
states and suddenly you can do different things. This It means we've got to figure out what is going on in-
idea of revealing over time is possible because there is ternally with the client and decide how what we de-
a microprocessor behind the product and usually there liver will be effective. In some cases you just start
is also a dynamic display. I believe this definition char- seeing there is no place to engage with the client.
acterizes the kind of products we work on-which is a And I think that is a very difficult problem. Most
very wide range, not just web products. people right now don't have a product development
process. They are just going for it. And we have to
YR: How would you say interaction design has figure out how to fit into what is best described as a
changed in the years since you started Swim? moving train.
GS: I don't think what we do has changed fundamen-
YR: And what do you use when you try to communi-
tally, but the time frame for product development is
cate with them? Is it a combination of talking, meet-
much shorter. And seemingly more people think they
want interaction design assistance. That has definitely ings, and reports?
changed. There are more people who don't necessar- GS: We do a number of different things. Usually
ily know what interaction design is, but they are call- we will give them a written document, like a report
ing us and saying "we need it." All of a sudden there or a critique of their product. Sometimes we will
is a great deal of focus and money on all of these give them interactive prototypes in Director or
products that are virtual and computationally based, HTML, things that simulate what the product expe-
which require a different type of design thinking. rience would feel like. In the written materials, I