Conversations with
Everyday Objects
Bill DeRouchey
Ziba Design

1. Theory 2. Practice

People are surrounded by technology,

products that we design and make,

that they have to learn how to use.

How do they figure it all out?

People learn from past experiences.

They unconsciously look for language,

but language evolves and spreads.

Power icon
01
Symbols start with one meaning,

then evolve and extend that meaning.

Meaning translates across products,

to become a true icon.

Meaning can survive a long time.

We need to see what people see.

We need to seek inspiration.

Inspiration from what we carry around.

Inspiration from common interactions.

Inspiration from what surrounds us.

Inspiration from what guides us.

Inspiration from what amuses us.

Inspiration from what intimidates us.

Inspiration from hacking it.

Inspiration from mixing it.

Inspiration from seeing the language.

We create and curate this language.

Elements Relationships Principles
Words Layout Clarity
Icons Isolation Perspective
Colors Priority Appropriateness
Shapes Proximity Purpose
Sounds Repetition Delight
Motion Alignment
Gesture Sequence
Size
Contour
The language of interaction.

Words. Command or label?

Words. Clarity or confusion?

Words. Avoid redefinitions.

Colors. Meaning or decoration?

Good. Forward. Start. OK.

Bad. Warning. Stop. Cancel.

Fire Bad. Tree Pretty.

Icons. Habit or meaning?

Gesture. Natural or cryptic?

Layout. Structure vs. beauty.

Priority. Where is the focus?

Priority. Create a hero.

Clarity. Make sense or confusion?

Clarity. Action = results.

Perspective. Product or system?

Appropriate. Is that really necessary?

Appropriate. Is that really necessary?

Appropriate. Is that really necessary?

Purpose. Be yourself.

Seeking interaction designers…

Presentation at:
www. language of interaction .com
More at:
www. history of the button .com
“bill_derouchey@ziba.com
“billder” on most social networks