Daniel Fällman: Wear, Point, and Tilt: an Interaction Daseiner’s Perspective

Mobile information technology is emerging as an influential computing paradigm. Palmtop computers, cellular phones, and other mobile devices are gaining ground as an alternative mode of computing far from the physical confinement brought about by the desktop computer. While these mobile devices’ computational power increases dramatically for every new version being manufactured, concerns have remained for quite some time regarding Human—Computer Interaction issues. In the current literature on interaction with mobile computers, two primary causes have been suggested as the main barriers which confine usability. First, there are no adequate methods available for text input, and second, the output is limited because of the devices’ small screens.

In this seminar, I will present the issues, activities, and findings of a project entitled “The ABB Mobile Service Technician”. This project has been conducted jointly with industrial company ABB, in which several of the usability issues were approached through focused design for a specific work practice. This specific environment allows us to look beyond the “mobile office” metaphor which typically permeates work in this area, and which I have come to hold as an important key to the usability problems often related with mobile computing.

The seminar will have the following structure. First, I will present the context for this study, how and why the project came about, and the three-stage approach that was chosen. Since I am currently on expulsion from the department, I will also briefly take the chance to introduce myself, where I currently work and what I do.

Second, I will in some detail introduce findings from two ethnographical studies conducted at industrial assembly manufacturing sites, which form the empirical base of the project. Particular attention will be paid to the issue of how certain empirical findings were interpreted as incentives for design, i.e. how ethnography evolved into design.

Third, the prototype design will be explained, discussed, and demonstrated, including its custom made hardware, its specific interaction and interface design, and its overall model of functionality.

Fourth, two issues of particular interest concerning the prototype design will be highlighted: the style of interaction promoted by the prototype; and the potential of collaboration made possible by its physical embodiment. Here, my theoretical curiosity with aspects of phenomenology will become discernible.

My hope is that this seminar will give rise to questions and ideas regarding the possibilities of expanding the scope of research in Informatics outside of our traditional discipline borders. I might too be able to provide some hints regarding the issue of working closely with industry, while avoiding working for industry. "

Välkomna!
Mikael Wiberg