Ubiquitous Computing in Physico-Spatial Environments - Activity Theoretical Considerations

• Interaction design of pervasive and ubiquitous computing(UC) systems must take into account physico-spatial issuesas technology is implemented into our physicalsurroundings. In this paper we discuss how one conceptualframework for understanding interaction in context,Activity Theory (AT), frames the role of space. We point tothe fact that AT treats space primarily in terms of analyzingthe role of space before designing IT-systems andevaluating spatial effects of IT-systems in use contexts afterthe design phase. We consequently identify a gap in thatrole of space is not recognized in the design process.We address this gap by discussing the role of physical space in relation to key concepts of AT in terms of how anincreased awareness of physico-spatial aspects influencesthe understanding and design of IT systems.

Subject headings

NATURVETENSKAP  -- Data- och informationsvetenskap -- Datavetenskap (hsv//swe)

NATURAL SCIENCES  -- Computer and Information Sciences -- Computer Sciences (hsv//eng)

Keyword

Activity

Activity Theory.

Space

Interaction Design

Publication and Content Type

kon (subject category)

ref (subject category)