Embedding Ubiquitous Technologies

Abstract

Since the onset of technology as a tool in our personal and professional lives, we’ve progressed through at least two waves or stages of computing. The concept of ubiquitous computing names the third wave of computing, still in its infancy stages. The first wave consisted of mainframe computers shared by numerous people. The majority of society is presently in the second wave of the personal computing era, where people and machines interact through a predominantly iconic environment. The third phase of computing, referred to as ubiquitous computing, or the age of calm technology, takes place when technology recedes into the background of our daily lives. Alan Kay of Apple calls this the “third paradigm” of computing, while Weiser coins it as the “third wave” of computing (Weiser, 1996). In Weiser’s (2006) third wave of computing, we achieve a vision of multiple computers per person in which “technology recedes into the background of our lives” (p. 1). To reach this point, each individual would need a personal computing device. Studies have shown that students are increasingly gaining access to computers outside of school, whether it be in their own home, a neighbor’s house, or the public library. However, schools have yet to even achieve a ratio of one computer per student (Bull & Ferster, 2005-2006). During this time, we have experienced distinct phases of computing that include: (1) the strife for one-to-one computing, and (2) portable devices with wireless access. Each of these phases has revealed some insights into future ubiquitous technologies and research. According to America’s Digital Schools (ADS) 2006 five-year forecast, “the transition to mobile computing will help facilitate the transition to ubiquitous computing, which is not practical in desktop computer environments” (Hayes Connection & Greaves Group, 2006, p.1).

Calm ICT design in hotels: A critical review of applications and implications

“…Some existing wearable technologies represent, in their essence, examples of calm ICT design as they are almost invisible; small-sized and discrete; unobtrusive; easy to set up and use; highly personalized to end-user requirements; with automated action based on sensors and with enabled connectivity with servers. Wearables extend the concept of embedding ubiquitous computing beyond hand-held devices (Elwood, 2010). As such, wearables reveal opportunities to create tailored hotel guest experiences based on consumer location, previously recorded preferences, or even current moods (Choe & Fesenmaier, 2017;Dibble, 2015).…”

“…The ultimate purpose of calm design is not to calm people physiologically, emotionally or cognitively, but to design ICT solutions that can be more easily used in a calm manner (Moraveji et al, 2011;Stanford University's Calming Technology Lab, 2011). With the rapid development of the Internet and with smart technologies getting better embedded and more seamlessly integrated into everyday objects, the concept of calm ICT design is gaining popularity in ubiquitous computing and ambient intelligence as well as in product design (Case, 2015a;Elwood, 2010;Hohl, 2009;Rogers, 2006;Weiser & Brown, 1995).…”

Reviving calm technology in the e-tourism context

“…Paradoxically, a solution to the technology shortcomings within the e-tourism realm may rest within the technology itself (Case, 2015a;Weiser & Brown, 1995). More specifically, it may sit within the idea of calm technology (CT) that has become a popular discourse object in ubiquitous computing (Brown, 2016;Case, 2015a;Elwood, 2010;Hohl, 2009;Rogers, 2006;Weiser & Brown, 1995) but, as such, been overlooked in e-tourism research (Stankov, Filimonau, et al, 2018). CT refers to the context in which technology operates in the background, not calling for full user's attention at all times (Weiser & Brown, 1995), having no purpose on its own, but serving in delivering a desired experience instead (Case, 2015a).…”