I believe that interaction cannot just make a difference, interaction is the difference. Interaction is about communication, communication occurs among people, people are humans. We humans live in an increasingly technological society where there is a constant threat of humanity coming second to technological progress. But Human progress is not just about technological advances, it is about social change.

We have known how to make digital systems and products usable and easy to understand for some time now, but that is not enough. We need to realize that technological advances have a big impact on society and the way we live. I believe It is time that we start using interaction design not only as a tool to make systems and products more efficient and easy to use, but to use interaction design as a critical tool to provoke our minds and support processes of social change.

Today, the interaction designer operates in a prosperous world of technological abundance. That commercialized world, where the demand of new and exciting products is driven by economically strong cohorts with a constant interest and want for the newest gadgets, is not the only world. For the interaction designer of the 21st century, there is another world. A world where the wants and needs aren’t driven by the need to be “cool”. The needs are driven by the daily and timeless needs of humanity. Food on the table, a roof over the head, health care, education, the freedom to express themselves, and the ability to communicate over distances. That world is called the developing world. And I believe that in that world the opportunity for a designer to make a difference has never been greater.