Why definition is everything when it comes to Interaction Design

If a definition needs defining then it’s not a definition.

If there’s any room for interpretation throw it away and start again.

If you as a User Experience professional can’t distill the message into one clear definition then how can you expect the user to make that interpretation?

Definitions cannot be conceptual or describe something intangible, they need to be concrete. In the same way a story needs a beginning middle and end, your definition needs to encompass all of that in such a way that no-one can misinterpret your vision.

Its not easy, and working with brands who sometimes don’t understand their product themselves you’ll find yourself tearing your hair out.

But like Kate Bush said to Peter Gabriel - don’t give up. Starting a UX project without a clear product definition is like starting to build a house using cheese. Never a good idea.