Interfaces for Everyday Computing

Problem
As computing capabilities become more ubiquitously available, the uses of computing will shift to include more everyday tasks, in contrast to current production-oriented tasks such as word processing and financial planning. Everyday tasks, such as managing food planning to communicating with family and friends, are typically more ambiguous, context-dependent and serendipitous. Most computer applications, including personal productivity appliances, still operate as isolated production tools with numerous features available for creating specific artifacts. The goal of this project is to design interfaces for everyday computing that:

• are thinking interfaces not production interfaces so that they have a small, flexible set of features for info input, output and manipulation.
• are context-aware but not super smart. The system will have a good guess as to who you are, where you are, who is around you and what time it is. Use this context wisely to help the user manage their life and to support serendipitous interaction.

Project Tasks

Read these papers concerned with light-weight user interfaces to support ambiguous tasks while leveraging some simple context:

• Flatland: New Dimensions in Office Whiteboards by Mynatt et al. Flatland supports "everyday" office tasks via an augmented whiteboard interface. (Currently under review for CHI '99, pick up copy at Mynatt's office).
• Ambiguous intentions: a paper-like interface for creative design by Gross and Do (UIST '96). This "Electronic Cocktail Napkin" supports various sketching tasks.
• Interactive beautification: A technique for rapid geometric design by Igarashi et al (UIST '97). This system supports simple drawing assistance.
• Electronic Mail Previews Using Non-Speech Audio by Hudson and Smith. This paper describes a light-weight user-interface for monitoring incoming email traffic.

Choose a scenario to drive your design:

• Food consumption in the home: Buying, planning, consuming...all things related to food. You will also want to check out the FCE project Domisilica.
• Informal communication with family and friends. What can we do in addition to how we currently use phones, email and letters?
• Advising students: How can we support the day by day advisor/student interactions?
• Fill in your scenario here.

Examine your scenario is some detail identifying typical activities and opportunities for everyday computing.

Sketch out some initial interface designs using your favorite tool (pencil/paper, drawing app, prototype builder). Although we're not all great artists, at least indicate the intended aesthetic feel of your interface. Clarity counts a bunch.

Deliverables

• Meet with Dr. Mynatt to discuss readings, scenario choice, and initial design ideas.
• Write an analysis of your scenario, identifying typical activities and opportunities for everyday computing. (~3 pages)
• Using a series of sketches, illustrate key interactions with your system.
• Write a description of you system (~6 pages) including a narrative of a typical user's experience, i.e. what does it feel like to use this system, and an analysis to what it would take to implement the system highlighting the technical and user-interface challenges.