The document discusses the differences between interactional expertise (IE) and T-shaped skills. While IE involves acquiring knowledge of another domain through interaction, it does not emphasize adapting skills or systems-level thinking. In contrast, T-shaped skills represent expertise in one field combined with broader knowledge and skills across multiple disciplines, though it may not involve fully understanding another field from the inside. The document argues that IE and T-shaped skills are distinct concepts that should not be conflated.

1. • https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u-
BnJzxIPK4&feature=youtu.be (7 minutes)
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DUmlt5d0GPw (15
minutes)
Michael E. Gorman
Professor of Engineering & Society
School of Engineering and Applied Science
University of Virginia

2. Interactional Expertise vs T-shape
• IE is now defined by Collins as something all
experts acquire
• IE doesn’t emphasize the adaptive elements of
T or the systems expertise.
• T does not emphasize talking the walk of
another discipline
• T could include multiple expertises and skills