Getting Started in Interface Design – Your Thoughts?

Lucy wrote us:

How can I learn to do what you do? Specifically, I am in awe of the courses and conferences your offer, and your site confirms that interface design is what I want to do in my second career. However, everything seems to presuppose a general background in programming, web site design, etc., i.e. it all appears to focus on upgrading skills and knowledge, not on teaching the basics of such design. (It also seems focused, to a certain extent, on designers working within business organizations.)

As a humble lay person with some applicable knowledge (but not much), confidence that I’d be good at this, and a desire to work in a consulting capacity, can you share any wisdom on how to start? As a point of information, I am located in Baltimore, MD, but am willing to travel some to get what I need.

I replied with this quick set of starting points:

I’d check out Steve Krug’s Don’t Make Me Think.

Also, Designing Interfaces.

You might also check out Boxes and Arrows.

I’d sign up to be on the Interaction Design discussion list.

And the UTest list.

Bentley College has an interesting program.

Also, there’s interesting stuff happening in your backyard at the University of Baltimore.

What would you recommend Lucy check out?