Designing Devices

From the ancient history of devices through the post-industrial-design era of touchscreens and gestural interfaces, Designing Devices presents keen insights on what it takes to design a truly great device. Topics covered include how to differentiate a device, interaction models, deciding what controls to have and where they should go, and how to design device feedback.

Table of Contents

PART I: DEVICE BASICS
The History of Devices
Device Components
What Makes a Great Device?

PART II: CONCEPT AND STRATEGY
Single or Multipurpose Device?
Differentiators
Common Product-Service Business Strategies
Adding Value and The Buddha Nature of Devices

PART III: DESIGN
Resources and Constraints
Iteration
Form
To Screen or Not to Screen
Resistive vs. Capacitive Touchscreens
Interaction Models
Controls are Choices
Where The Controls Are
Feedback
Making Design Decisions
What To Display
The Emotional Life of Objects
Why You Want (But Won't Like) a Minority Report UI

Epilogue: The Devices We Need