When comparing Digital Design Essentials vs Designing Interactions, the Slant community recommends Designing Interactions for most people. In the question“What are the best books to read on user experience and design?” Designing Interactions is ranked 2nd while Digital Design Essentials is ranked 8th. The most important reason people chose Designing Interactions is:
The most interesting aspect of the book is that it's filled with insights from designers and decision makers themselves. Moreover, the book comes with a DVD with segments from the actual interviews.
Ranked in these QuestionsQuestion Ranking
Pros
Pro Great as a reference
This book works as a great reference for explaining design decisions to clients or coworkers, as both explanations and examples are provided.
Pro Each topic includes a case study
Multiple case studies (over 100) are provided throughout the book to demonstrate the theory discussed.
Pro Interviews with industry legends
The most interesting aspect of the book is that it's filled with insights from designers and decision makers themselves. Moreover, the book comes with a DVD with segments from the actual interviews.
Pro A history of interaction design
The book covers many of the most significant individuals and events in the history of interaction design, from an insider's lens, with the much of the reasoning behind the design decisions made described in detail.
Cons
Con Basic overview of web design
This book is most beneficial for beginners just starting out with web design and UX as it's not a resource with much depth. Someone with an understanding of design essentials may find this book fairly repetitive and common sense.
Con Not a lot of practical information/theories
This book is more about the history of interaction design rather than a book with easily applicable lessons.
There are takeaway lessons from the interviews with experts. However there are no theories with explanations laid out for you.
