I think both designers and coders (and designer/coders) need to focus primarily on building an optimal environment for efficient and enjoyable HCI. Each skillset has its merits, and I don't necessarily think you have to have a hand in both in order to be successful. But in any capacity, you have to keep your mind on building an optimal product. So yes, programming is product design, as graphic design is product design. They go hand-in-hand toward building and designing something that people will love and find useful.