Special issue on interaction and experience design

Even in the development of the most technologically complex products, systems and environments, it is now accepted that the role of the user must remain firmly in focus. It is not enough to fulfil functional requirements such as safety and performance, or to achieve technical excellence in manufacture. The emergence of user-centred design has been critical in shifting focus towards human needs in the design and development process. The delivery of more personalized usage scenarios encompasses aspects of interaction design, psychology, culture and human factors to achieve satisfying, engaging and meaningful user experiences. The aim of this special issue is therefore to address the emotional needs of users and their experiences in using products, processes and systems. What indicators can be monitored to best understand response during product use? Do requirements change through the ageing process with respect to motivation, learning and dexterity? How can tasks and activities be designed and sequenced to form compelling narratives of use? How can factors such as culture,personality, experience be considered in interface design? And can the tensions between tailored individual requirements and product universality be resolved in unifying design principles?