Yesterday’s tomorrows

This week’s paper by Bell and Dourish [1] critiques the extent that Weiser’s foundational 1991 ubiquitous computing (ubicomp) article [2] was correct in predicting future technological trends, and how this “single vision” has negatively directed a majority of ubicomp research. Bell and Dourish identify their stance on the current state of ubicomp, which they believe to have been achieved.

The authors’ main argument is that ubicomp researchers are in a conundrum when designing technology. They design for a “proximate future” [1], which is never quite met, as researchers cannot truly infer the environment of future technological contexts. Consequently, the authors’ argue that this implies two paths for ubicomp: it can never be completed, or has already been achieved. In this paper, the later is argued, using examples from Singapore and Korea where technology at the time (2006) was most widespread. I believe that the technology identified (Internet, mobile phones, RFID railway cards) does not demonstrate true ubiquity, but instead illustrates the popularity and widespread use of technological.

The authors identify the “messiness” of ubiquity due to the specific infrastructures between countries, such as transport, politics, or multi-generation living. Developing seamless technology that considers these issues that would be “invisible” and consistent to users is simply impossible due to the number of contexts it can be used in. The authors suggest that ubicomp research acknowledges this and should focus on the specific problems of infrastructure. Indeed, this would allow researchers to focus on their communities specific concerns, and propagate the impact to other regions or countries of interest. In this case, ubiquity would be eventually achieved globally.

I believe Weiser’s predictions that technology will “weave themselves into the fabrics of everyday life” [2] has not been fully met, despite what Bell and Dourish believe. Indeed, technology has become an integral role in modern life, but there is a long way to go before it is truly ubiquitous – where it has a global impact, and is invisible. Ubiquity should not be considered achieved simply due to technological prominence as in this paper, but instead, when it has impacted all aspects of the life of all world citizens.

[1] G. Bell, P. Dourish. “Yesterday’s tomorrows: notes on ubiquitous computing’s dominant vision”. 2006.

[2] M. Weiser. “The computer for the 21st Century.” 1991.

This weeks paper demonstrates the use of ubicomp technology (sensors on mobile phones) and a corresponding application to attempt to improve the happiness (mental health) of students. The paper: “StudentLife: assessing mental health, academic performance and behavioral trends of college students using smartphones”, 2014.