The future of interactive information radiators for knowledge workers

Abstract

Information Radiators (IRs) provide context-specific pieces of information in a semi-public place where a group of people can see it while working or passing-by. They can simplify information sharing “out-of-the-box”, foster awareness and socialization, create serendipity and enhance collaboration. Recent sociotechnical developments such as the establishment of permanent hybrid work settings as well as advances in the area of Human Computer Interaction (HCI) such as the emergence of Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) are likely to impact how IRs are being used – or even challenge their usefulness. In this article we discuss those developments and their possible implications for the design and use of IRs in the context of knowledge work in the next decades. We argue that IRs will probably remain an important part of future office environments providing awareness, supporting serendipity and building a situated social place for matchmaking as well as informal communication. Using new display and interaction technologies (such as AR) they might even grow in importance by enabling fluid work scenarios.