Sensing of the Self, Society, and the Environment

Abstract

We propose a novel sensemaking taxonomy, and a working wearable computing system within that taxonomy, to help people sense and understand the world around them. This unified system and taxonomy organizes the world of sensors and sensory experience into the following: (A) Self-and-Technology; (B) Self-and-Society; and (C) Self-and-Environment. This wearable system, which we named "Vironment™", embodies a suite of functionalities which demonstrate each of the three presented levels. The taxonomy helps in understanding the line between self, society, and the world around us, while Vironment extends the wearer’s sensing capabilities in these three areas.