What potential impact will pervasive and ubiquitous computing have on the way we use our desktop computers?
As pervasive and ubiquitous computing becomes more prevalent we are likely to see an overall decrease in the amount of time spent working at a computer; users will be freed from the artifact to go where the activity. Only certain kinds of action and certain habits of work are likely to be continued. Those users who are habituated to write or research are likely to continue to do so. Collaborative work where the users are geographically close may move to platforms more supportive of teamwork – table tops or walls. Personal work may be accomplished on intimate devices most appropriate to the task and will follow the user to their most comfortable place to work. Devices are likely to adopt a thin-client format accessing a cloud computing environment with ubiquitous access to personal data and tools, and the form factor will be selected based upon appropriateness to task and preferred use-context.
Why is form factor such an important consideration when designing i/o devices and techniques?
Form factors affect use frequency, effectiveness, location, ability, and skill acquisition. A device that is easy to learn or that bridges a lack of skill is one that will be appealing to novices. A device that enables an expert to perform at a higher level of efficiency or effectiveness will be well favoured. The device form needs also to consider the context of use – the environmental, social, geographical, and kinaesthetic situations that the device is to be used in.
However, the more design that goes into developing a device may increase it’s cost or make it so specific to the task that It does not find a sufficiently large audience to support it’s development.
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