Directiondesign, Typography

introduction

articles/lectures

web typography
style and design
functions of type
usability

interaction
composition
webstyles
conclusion
bibliography
links

There are four main types of human-computer interaction that are possible on current new media, most of them are very suitable for typography.

1. Direct interaction (feedback, control, experiences)
This type of interaction is very intuitive, the user naturally 'moves' or navigates without consciously thinking about it (like moving the mouse). This type of interaction is also used in games, where the virtual world and its behaviour is an extension of the human reality and ergonomics. Direct interaction isn't usually used for typography because reading is linear and type is not very legible in 3D.

2. Indirect interaction (multi-linear or linear browsing)
In this case the user is very aware of the interaction (when clicking on a button to go to another page on a website for example). It is a more linear way of navigating because there usually is only one possible outcome or result. This type of interaction usually involves textual content and is very suitable for typographic communication.

3. Adaptive interaction (personalization)
Personalized sites use adaptive interaction. According to specific wishes of the user a site can offer special content or services and it does not have a predetermined outcome. In most cases textual communication is used for adaptive interaction (it also requires direct and indirect interaction). This form of interaction is becoming increasingly important, especially in e-commerce.

4. Peer to peer interaction (communication)
Examples are chat and email. This actually is interaction on a different level because it uses technology as an intermediate communication tool.

Related info:

Interaction design theory

Nathan Shedroff

Info experience

Emmanuel King Turner