User Interface design or UI design as it is often referred to, involves designing online and offline products in a way that makes them easy to use. It is one of the most in-demand careers in technology, and the demand for it will be growing as more things go on-line. UI design is a vital part of any product development and critical to product success. It can be the interface on your microwave, or the dashboard of your car and of course all online software design involves a UI designer.It’s importance is underlined by an article titled “The $300 million Button“.

UI design is the combination of the arts and analytical thinking; it uses both sides of your brain.

I had the opportunity to interview Mathew Holloway a renowned UI Designer in the Silicon Valley to understand UI design and its future prospects.
According to Matt, UI design involves a study of color, composition, typography, Human factors, psychology and cognitive thinking. He also believes that UI design evolves by the generational needs. For example the Gen-Y are more familiar with technology and devices that previous generation so they will design products with more graphics and gesture based.
He keeps up with UI trends by reading blogs such as boxesandarrows, core77 and stylistically stays in touch with street art and urban fashion in San Francisco mission district.
Matt says a good UI designer comes with an attitude it is about making things easier for the user and design is not “forced” onto the user.
He suggests the must reads on UI design:
Sketching—Bill Buxton
Desgin of Everyday things—Don Norman
Don’t Make me Think—Steve Krug
Design Interactions —Bill Moggridge