<DIV><p>An understanding of what makes things interactive is key to the successful creation of websites, computer games, and software. In <i>The Art of Interactive Design</i>, Chris Crawford explains what interactivity is, how it works, why it's important, and how to design good software and websites that are truly interactive. Crawford's colloquial, conversational style makes it easy to grasp the fundamentals and the theoretical underpinnings of interactivity, as he discusses specific social and artistic issues.</p></div>