Reclaiming human space at IoT: contributions of the socially aware design

Abstract

Computing has been incorporated into "things" (objects, clothes, etc.) which, using Internet protocols, are able to send and receive information, realizing ideas of ubiquity that were launched in the 1990s. Transforming a "thing" into a network node of a system that makes sense in people's environment has been a challenge for the Human-Computer Interaction (IHC) discipline. In this paper we investigate and propose a Socially Aware Design (SAwD) based process for building scenarios of ubiquitous and pervasive interaction with contemporary technology, including Internet of Things (IoT) scenarios. The starting point for SAwD is understanding the problem from stakeholders' engagement to evolve a design solution together. As part of the process, a solution proposal was created, implemented and iteratively tested with some of the stakeholders under the eyes of researchers. Three iterative cycles were held in workshops with children in a hospital setting that included the observation of researchers, discussions and proposals for the evolution of the solution. At each iteration in the process the importance of people in the technological environment was highlighted, emphasized by the intertwining of technology in the activities developed in each scenario built. The evolution of the system shows that the application of SAwD from its basic premise, which is to understand the problem with the stakeholders that act as the solution's co-designers, was fundamental in the process. Study results show the effectiveness of the proposed process and suggest recommendations for the design of Internet of Human Things (IoHT).