Pervasive Environments and Digital Inclusion Patrick Olivier Newcastle University

Pervasive Environments…  Future based on Mark Weiser’s vision of “the computer of the 21st century”  Significant extension on “mobile” computing  Massive networks of sensors, displays and actuators woven into the very fabric of the world around us (everything is “digital”)  Monitoring our activity and intelligently providing us with situated services to improve our lives

Real needs…  Older and disabled users have a real need for situated support:  Health: e.g. remote monitoring  Well-being: e.g. daily living activities  Mobility: e.g. contextual information  E.g. From our actions and intentions provide situated support for meal preparation

Real challenges  Technology challenges:  sensors, actuators, displays, networks  security, activity recognition, context  Design challenges:  no keyboards or mice  transformed conception of objects  new ways to engage users in design  tackle “invasive” potential

Inclusion is innovation…  Not only do older and disabled users have a real need for pervasive technologies…but:  supposed “barriers” keep us honest  history of innovation by and for disabled users  inclusion can drive the technological research agenda  Beware the technologist as “world maker”  Industry is hesitant to innovate in this space