[IxD Theory] Easy Peasy

Why does everyone think they can do interaction design? Do other design disciplines face this challenge?

I don't have direct experience with everyone thinking they can do interaction design, but assuming that is the case, I will speculate on the reasons why.

1. Interaction is a buzz word. I think because interaction design is such a new field and it's, uh...for lack of better phrase, so hot right now, there are a lot of people out there who want an interaction designer and a lot of people who don't really know what it is, but who want to get the job. 
2. Interaction designers make it look easy. A well designed object or system is universally easy to use, which can lead to the assumption that designing the interaction is simple. I think a lot of the principles of interaction design are actually common sense (keep it simple, recognition over recall, help and documentation, give people an undo), but to really design a system which meets a user's need becomes incredibly complicated. An interaction designer has to use methodology and go through deliberate processes, which not everyone can do.
3. Design is being democratized. I think most design disciplines face the challenge posed in this blog topic, I am certain graphic designers do. (Just because anyone can use Photoshop and/or Illustrator doesn't mean anyone can be a graphic designer.) Democratization of design is, overall, a good thing. For example, the standard of visual design for restaurants, shops, hospitals, party invitations, you name it, has all drastically improved in the last ten years. American society has definitely become more aware and appreciative of good design. But, the democratization of design can be bad, too. Well, not bad, but certainly annoying. Everyone has an opinion, and when the CFO's wife who has "an eye for design" is giving you art direction, the democratization of design downright terrible.

So what to do? We discussed this problem in class and the results of our discussion really resonated with me. Instead of pushing back and being combative, always take an inclusive stance. Guide and teach people who assume designing is easy. As an interaction designer, or any kind of designer, we have the opportunity to bring design into the core of an organization. If we are willing to lead and teach by example, everyone can  participate in design, and there's a good chance the end result will be better for it.