Affiliations: [a] School of Urban Design, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China | [b] Köln International School of Design, Technical University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
Abstract: This paper presents a review of existing research on interface from the perspective of interactive relations. Interface has been discussed within the realm of user experience for some time. The developments of corresponding design rationale and methods have increased recently; however, they are often based on different definitions and varying designs of the respective objects. Understanding what interface is and why it is important to industrial design is the beginning of systematic interface research. The purpose of this study is to review the existing literature in China and summarize objects where consensus exists, while identifying areas for further research. In addition, the relational system of design based on interface theory and service interface based on intangible products are touched upon too. This review shows a clear consensus on the point of differences and similarities among different design objects. In reviewing industrial design, not much work could be found for describing these benefits of design based on the new perspective on the interface. The contributions of interface theory based on a relational system of design can be widely applied in related research and practice. Lastly, the study hopes to highlight the present inconsistencies in the field of industrial design and put forward some critical problems, which could lead to further research into this field.
Keywords: Interface, interactive relations, relational system of design, physical interface, digital interface, service interface
