Ubiquitous Computing
Description
Instructor
Anijo Mathew
“Computing, not computers will characterize the next era of the computer age. At every level and in every conceivable environment, computing will be fully integrated in our lives”.
- Intel Corporation, “The Computing Continuum Conference”
Ubiquitous Computing is the term used to refer to the idea of hundreds of invisible computers woven into the fabric of our daily living. From the perspective of ubiquitous computing, the canvas for interaction design evolves from the desktop (interfaces on computing screens), to mobile devices, to tangible products, and finally into place – using interactions built into social and cultural artifacts which construct the environments we live, play, and work in. Situating ubiquitous computing within such social systems constitutes a paradigm shift for designers because it transforms interaction from a form of information processing to a form of meaning making by individual users in individual contexts. This means that as designers, not only must we be aware of the technical constructs that govern the pervasiveness of computing, but also the social, cultural and economic implications of this new technology that may one day govern all design.
The seminar is designed to engage students in a focused discussion about Ubiquitous Computing and its applications. The lecture sessions will explore social and technical foundations that lead to the development of ubiquitous computing technologies; students are expected to read critical viewpoints of the technology from the perspective of today’s socio-cultural contexts as well as engage in discussion about the implication of ubiquitous computing on design and society. External speakers may be invited to participate in the discourse when available.
